Looking Back at Army/Temple

Man, I really wanted Army to pay the Owls back for last year.
Temple showed up to play in the 4th quarter. That's all I can really say about that one. Temple made plays down the stretch and overcame adversity to win - Army did not. Temple moves on with the 4-1 record and Army is left to pick up the pieces at 3-2.

 Firstly, this loss hurts. Last year Temple and the refs conjured up two 4th quarter touchdowns to win in Philly, this year the Owls come up to Michie Stadium and score 21 in the final frame to win. With Army up two scores late in the 3rd quarter it's hard to not classify this game as winnable. I am always optimistic for a win - no matter the opponent and leading up to the game this one was no different in my mind. I knew Temple is good, but what went down in the first half is exactly what I expected from temple with no B. Pierce.

 There are two sides of the coin regarding just how many positives I can take out of this loss. The game was winnable in every sense; the team was winning late into the game and until then the offense was able to execute. I can find positives in the game's attendance, entertainment value and in the fact that Army put themselves in a great position to win. That's about where the positives end. Up by two TDs, Army needs to A) run clock, B) move the football and C) score points- today it all seemed to fall apart in the 4th quarter. We're aware that this team is unlikely to come back from large deficits, so when the Black Knights get up a pair of scores on a team it is absolutely imperative to step on that other team's throat.


Give credit to Temple, who played well despite the absence of their star. After today they should rename the school Trample for the way Matt Brown ran all over Army. Brown's 226 yards and 4 TDs move brown past Bill Cosby for all time Temple single game records. I try to be realistic amidst my optimism, and taking a look at Temple's remaining schedule it is easy to imagine a scenario where the Owls win out and go 12-1 or 11-2.


That's great for Temple, but to Army a loss is a loss is a loss.
Army's miscues and penalties were atrocious, and this time the lion's share of the penalties were Army's fault and not the referees. The loss will test Army's ability to bounce back. but there's no need to panic at this point. Returning from New Orleans with a win next week is of the highest importance.

Here's your Army/Temple story stats and highlights.



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