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Temple’s defense was well prepared for Navy’s triple option
There were a lot of factors in the Owls favor here. Temple played Army their last time out and had a bye week to prepare for Navy. And while it is a new coaching staff for Temple, the Mids offense is still the same as the one the Owls beat in last year’s AAC Championship game. The defense limited Navy to only 136 yards on the ground, and they averaged just 2.6 yards per carry. Zach Abey was held to 87 yards rushing as Collins’ defense played disciplined defense and stuffed the box all night long.
Temple’s offense has come alive under Frank Nutile
Dave Patenaude has found the guy to run his offense as Nutile threw for 289 yards and four touchdowns in the win. After an abysmal start to the campaign, the Owls offense has done their part to win games with the junior quarterback leading the attack. The key has been getting the ball into the hands of their playmakers as Adonis Jennings, Kieth Kirkwood and the rest of the receiving corps has the size and skills to dominate most cornerbacks. Logan Marchi has been the starter for most of the season, and to his credit, he threw for consecutive 300-yard games before being injured, but it looks like the job belongs to Nutile for now.
Navy’s winning streak at Lincoln Financial Field is over
Before the start of the game, Ken Niumatalolo told his team in the locker room, “we do not lose here.” He was right, up until last night. They were 12-0 all-time at Lincoln Financial Field: 10-0 against Army and 2-0 against Temple. The Mids will play in Philadelphia on Dec. 9 for their annual meeting against Army.
Navy is in a free fall
Many felt that the Midshipmen’s 5-0 start was a surprise, but we knew they would be challenged once they started playing better competition. The result has been three straight losses and the offense has gotten worse each week. Abey has missed action in each of the last two games, and while they did throw for three touchdowns in this game, they aren’t equipped to come from behind.
Both teams bowl future is still in the air
These are two teams on the different end of the spectrum when it comes to bowl eligibility. Navy needs just one win to qualify for postseason play. Temple must win two of their final three games in order to be bowl-eligible for a third straight season.