Navy still won, 30-19, but it was a lot better game than expected from the Temple Owls. Navy jumped out quickly, but Temple actually responded instead of folding quickly. Navy piled up tons of rushing yards but was forced to settle for field goals.Temple showed more than a pulse. It actually looked like Head Coach Al Golden might be making progress with the team. At the very least, they have a shot of being considered better than FIU, FAU, Duke, Buffalo and other perennial bottom feeders of 1A football. At the very least, they might actually be relevant in the MAC in their first season as a full member.
The game also marked the return of Navy Fullback Adam Ballard. Ballard broke his leg at the end of last year in the Army-Navy game. In this game Ballard scored two of Navy's three touchdowns. Nice way to start a senior season.
Navy's offense remains as potent, but their defense definitely has some issues. The Midshipmen struggled with screens and short passes.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
9-01-2007 @ 10:09AM
Adam said...
We played horribly last night, but I give Temple credit. I know it's early, but I could really see them being last year's version of Kent State.
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9-03-2007 @ 8:38AM
Phil said...
I agree with you Adam, but I was most impressed with the overall play of Temple. I believe they are much improved team in all aspects. I wish them luck with the rest of the season.
As for Navy, it's going to be a long week in practice and a tough game next weekend...
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9-04-2007 @ 5:16PM
Mike said...
Temple shot themselves in the foot (three first downs called back due to penalties in the first half), had a field goal blocked after running out of time, had a bounced pass to a Navy receiver ruled a catch, etc., etc.
It was still a 27-19 game late in the fourth quarter.
Navy is good but Temple might be the most improved team in the country.
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