Army vs Temple: NCAA Football Predictions, Odds & Best Bets (9/26)

The American Conference features a Thursday Night Showdown between the new face in the league, the Army Black Knights take on the Temple Owls. While this isn’t the most exciting College Football matchup, this standalone contest on ESPN should rival the NFL’s Thursday Night Football edition featuring the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants. Nevertheless, we are here to talk about the college kids on the gridiron tomorrow night.

Army already has a couple conference wins under their belt, as they’ve started the season 3-0. They ran all over Lehigh, 42-7, in Week 1, took down FAU in Florida 24-7 the next week, and then dominated Rice, 37-14, last weekend at home. The Black Knights are coming off short week, but quick preparation is right up these guy’s wheelhouse. I’ve been very impressed with Army on both sides of the ball, and look forward to watching them as American conference play heats up.

As for the Temple Owls, they finally got a win last week. Temple lost in Norman in Week 1, getting blown out 51-3. Then they lost to Navy, 38-11, on the road, and to Coastal Carolina, 28-20 at home. Finally against Utah State, they got a W at home, beating the Aggies 45-29. Now, I’m not sure how good of a win beating Utah State is, but it should at least instill a little bit of confidence in the Owls going forward.

Do they have what it takes to beat Army at home? Or will the Black Knights stroll into Temple and come away with a win?

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Army vs Temple: American Conference Showdown

Matchup Information – Army vs Temple

• Venue & Location: Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia, PA)
• Date: Thursday, September 26th, 2024
• Kick Off: 7:30pm Eastern
• Broadcast: ESPN

Betting Odds

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Spread

• Army -13.5 (-110)
• Temple +13.5 (-110)

Money Line

• Army -525
• Temple +420

Total

• Over 45.5 (-110)
• Under 45.5 (-110)

Will Owls Come to Play at Home?

Temple has given me little reason to trust their offense. They were completely blanked by Oklahoma (aside from a field goal), couldn’t move the ball against Navy, but I’ll admit, finally found some rhythm the past two weeks. But will it be enough to take down Army? The Black Knights defense ranks 8th int he nation, allowing just 10.5 points per game and just 7 on the road. They allow just 266 yards of total offense, and I have a feeling they’ll be able to disrupt the Owls. The defense ranks 12th in yards allowed per completion, as I expect the Owls to air it out against the Army secondary.

But regardless, the Owls rushing defense will have their work cutout for them.

Army is a unique squad, in that they run the triple option and hardly pass. They love to play old school football, and run it down their opponents throats, and they’ve had plenty of success doing so the past few weeks. Army’s QB, Bryson Daily, is their leading rusher. In three games, he has thrown just 19 passes for 10 completions and 186 yards. This includes 3 TDs, but to get down the field, Army runs, and runs, and runs. As a team, the Black Knights have over 1,000 rushing yards this season, with 3 guys accounting for 73% of their rushing yards. However, Army has plenty of bodies to throw in the mix, as 14 players have at least 1 carry on the season.

This could be scary for the Owls.

Temple Owls Rushing Defense

The Temple Owls are giving up 220 rushing yards per game, and in this one I expect them to give up over 300. Like I said, Army will simply pound the ground, throwing it just 6 times per contest. The Owls are north of the Top 100 in yards allowed per rush, giving up nearly 5.5 yards per attempt on the ground to their opponents. If you run the triple option, you’ve got to be able to gain bunch yardage on the ground and Army is more than capable.

As a team, the Black Knights average over 6 yards per carry, ranking in the Top 10 of the country. Their QB and leading rusher is averaging 5.9 yards per carry, their leading back is averaging 4.6, while their back up RB is averaging 13.3 yards per attempt. You read that right.

Army’s back up RB is averaging 13.3 yards per carry on 20 carries this season. The Owls are going to have a very tough time stopping the run tomorrow night, and I think it will show on the scoreboard.

Army Black Knights vs Temple Owls Best Bets

Army vs Temple Prediction: Army Wins & Covers, Under 45.5

Best Bets: Army -13.5 (-110) BetOnline

While two touchdowns may seem like a lot for a team that doesn’t pass the football, I trust the Army defense enough to slow down Temple. The Owls are scoring just 19.75 points per game, but prior to last week that number was 11.3. Besides Oklahoma, Army will certainly be the toughest defense that Temple has faced so far this year.

By playing on Thursday, both teams will have a mini bye week before their next game on Saturday, October 5th, meaning focus should not be an issue here. There will be plenty of time to rest before the next opponent. Even though Temple is at home, there is absolutely no reason to be high on this team. While people may back them simply because the number seems too large, I would never back the Owls defense to stop the run, especially to the degree that they will need to in this contest.

Army is a team that runs the ball over 50 times per game. Their offensive line is used to this, and will hold up stamina wise in the trenches. Temple has an already mediocre D-Line, added with the fact that they will defend three times the amount of runs they are used to. Ultimately, I see Army having all the success in the world and marching down the field whenever they want to.

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