Temple Owls vs. Army Black Knights Preview and Prediction

Start Time: Saturday, October 21st, 2017 at 12:00 p.m. EST

Location: Michie Stadium, West Point, New York

TV: CBS Sports Network

All-Time Series: Temple leads, 7-5

Last Meeting: 9/2/16. Army 28 - Temple 13

Betting Line: Army -6.5

Temple Owls Outlook

Just when Temple thought they had a decent shot at making another bowl game this season, they allowed the UConn Huskies to come into Lincoln Financial Field and steal a win on homecoming. In order for the Owls to play in December, they must win three of the next five, and there is a strong likelihood they won’t be favored in any of those games.

It was the Owls offense that once again sputtered in the matchup against UConn as statistically Temple out-gained the Huskies, 473-244, but turnovers and penalties haunted them all afternoon. Logan Marchi threw another two picks, giving him eight interceptions compared to four touchdowns in the last four games. They also turned the ball over on downs three times, including the final drive of the game that could have put them on top. A pick six in the third quarter ultimately was the deciding score in the game. This all came against a defense that is ranked 127th in the nation.

Geoff Collins’ bunch is still getting it done defensively, with the huge losses to Notre Dame and USF being outliers. Delvon Randall continues to make his case for American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year with an interception in three straight games. They will have to continue their strong efforts this week as Army has the second-ranked rushing offense. When it all comes down to it, how the young linebacking corps fares against Army’s option attack will determine the outcome of the game.

Army Black Knights Outlook

When Army upset the Owls in Philadelphia last season, it stunned many across the country. Little did we know that Jeff Monken was on the verge to bringing them back to bowl game and a win over rival Navy. That success has trickled into this season as Army enters the contest with a 5-2 record and unbeaten in their last three games.

The Black Knights chewed up the clock last week in a narrow 28-27 victory over Eastern Michigan. Army now has nation-best 28 touchdowns on the season, including 10 in the past two games, and have a plethora of weapons. Quarterback Ahmad Bradshaw leads the team with seven scores, while three other players have at least four touchdowns on the ground.

The defense stopped a two-point conversion attempt to hang on for the win last week, and Marchi could present similar problems for Army. Marchi has shown the ability to spread the all around, throwing for over 300 yards in the last two games. Temple will likely have to strike quickly to keep pace with Army’s clock-eating offense.

Prediction: The Owls have struggled with teams who can move the ball on the ground, and Army might be the best in the country at that. It will take discipline for them to stop Army’s option, but it’s the offense that continues to be the question mark for Temple. The Black Knights are one win away from being bowl-eligible, and they get that W this weekend to do just that.

Army 34 - Temple 23