Army’s home game against Temple is one of the low-key, intriguing matchups of College Football Saturday.
There’s plenty at stake for both teams.
A victory would increase Army’s bowl chances and move the Black Knights (4-4) over .500 for the first time this season.
Temple (5-4), which is coming off a 45-14 loss to East Carolina at home, secures bowl eligibility for the first time since 2019 with a win.
Army is currently a 6.5-point home favorite against Temple at Michie Stadium.
This isn’t the first time that Army coach Jeff Monken and Temple’s K.C. Keeler will match up. Keeler and Delaware defeated Monken and Georgia Southern 27-10 in the 2010 FCS semifinals.
Fun fact: Army’s defense created one more turnover (3) in Air Force win than Temple has had giveaways (2) all season.
Fun fact No. 2: Temple senior Evan Simon, one of the nation’s most improved quarterbacks, has thrown 21 touchdowns to one interception in nine games.
Sal Interdonato (Black Knight Nation): Army 31, Temple 24. If Army opens its offense up like it did against Air Force and hits a few big plays in the air, the Black Knights should earn the first of two much-needed home wins to secure its second straight bowl game.
Seth Mendelson (Black Knight Nation): Army 35, Temple 24. Temple quarterback Evan Simon is the real deal but the Army defense keeps the pressure on and the offense tries some new tricks. Army goes over .500 for the first time this season.
Cuthbert Hutton (Sidelines Army): Army 31, Temple 27. KC Keeler will have QB Evan Simon pressing the Army secondary – expect 30+ passing attempts as the Owls avoid the recently returning Army DL stalwart Kody Harris-Miller. Temple has only turned the ball over twice all season – if Army can win the turnover battle (a steep ask) they will set themselves up for a win. Expect another big passing game from Army, Hellums will be +125 through the air. Worley’s open playbook will play a role in the win.
Predictions from across the college football universe
Steve Lassan (Athlon Sports): Army
Thomas Neumann (Athlon Sports): Army
Kyle Wood (Athlon Sports): Army
David Kenyon (Bleacher Report): Army 28, Temple 23
