It’s more than possible neither Temple nor Army will be in contention for an American Conference Championship. But both programs have a chance to become bowl-eligible by the end of the season, and both will want to win this week in order for that to happen.
Temple is 5-4 overall with a 3-2 conference record in KC Keeler’s first season as head coach. After starting out 2-2, the Owls won three of four games against UTSA, Charlotte, and Tulsa with a loss to Navy. But they fell 45-14 against East Carolina last week, so they’ll be eager to rebound and earn that sixth win.
Army has experienced a rollercoaster of a season. The Black Knight started the year by losing to FCS Tarleton State then pulled off a major upset over Kansas State. Army lost back-to-back American games to North Texas and East Carolina then won back-to-back contests over UAB and Charlotte. Following a seven-point loss at Tulane, Army narrowly beat Air Force 20-17 in its last game, meaning the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy will go to the winner of the Army-Navy game later this season.
But first, the Black Knights are eyeing bowl-eligibility.
Temple vs. Army Betting Odds
Army is a -7 college football betting odds favorite against Temple, with the Over/Under being 45.5 as of this writing. The moneyline for Temple is +220, while it’s -275 for Army.
Temple vs. Army On TV
The matchup between Temple and Army will be televised on CBSSN.
The game will kick off at noon ET on Saturday, Nov. 8. The contest is taking place at Michie Stadium in West Point, New York.
Temple vs. Army Prediction
I predict Army will win and cover the seven-point spread. I also project the game will go Under 45.5 total points.
Army has one of the best ground games in the American – and the country. And that’s bad news for Temple.
The Black Knights are second in the conference, behind only Navy, and are fourth in the FBS with 265.3 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Cale Hellums leads them with 711 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground.
Temple allows the fourth-most rushing yards in the league at 192.2 per game and gives up the most rushing yards per carry at 5.2.
I don’t know if the Owls are a good matchup for Army with that in mind.
And though Army isn’t the most prolific team on offense, the Black Knights have been pretty stout defensively. They allow the third-fewest yards in the American (347 per game) and the third-fewest points (23.1 per game).
They’ve been even better on that side of the ball as the season has gone on. They’ve given up an average of 15.25 points per game in their last four outings.
Temple, meanwhile, is seventh or worse in the conference in scoring offense and defense as well as total offense and defense. The Owls have given up 32 or more points in three of their last four games.
I don’t expect the Black Knights to score that much. But I foresee Army dominating at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, controlling time of possession, and grinding out a 10-point win.
