We have an AAC matchup here as the Temple Owls travel to take on the Navy Midshipmen.
Each team's first game of the year had contrasting results.
For the Owls, they were run over by the Oklahoma Sooners, losing 51-3. They didn't get to show much, except for the fact that their defense is not SEC-caliber.
As for Navy, the triple-option remains the gift that keeps on giving. The Midshipmen controlled the game vs. Bucknell on the ground, but they also flashed some prowess through the air.This game hinges on what we see from Temple. We know what to expect from Navy, or do we?
Let's dig into my Temple vs Navy prediction and pick.
Temple vs Navy Prediction
- Temple vs Navy Pick: Over 42.5
My Temple vs Navy best bet is over the total, with the best line currently available at BetMGM, according to our live NCAAF odds page.
Temple vs Navy Odds
| Temple Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+13 -110 | 42.5 -110o / -110u | +400 |
| Navy Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-13 -110 | 42.5 -110o / -110u | -550 |
- Temple vs Navy Point Spread: Temple +13 (-110) · Navy -13 (-110)
- Temple vs Navy Total: Over/Under 42.5
- Temple vs Navy Moneyline: Temple +400 · Navy -550
Temple vs Navy Preview
Temple Owls Betting Preview: Offense Trending Up
As I noted in the opening, we didn't get a great look at Temple in its opener; the Owls were overmatched from the jump. While they're still sizable underdogs entering this matchup, we should see them run their offense as expected.
Forrest Brock won the quarterback position battle and will get his shot as a junior to show what he can do in the AAC. Brock has a proven weapon to work with on the outside in Colorado State transfer Dante Wright.
Wright flashed his speed against Oklahoma, averaging 12 yards per reception. This duo should have more success against the Midshipmen's secondary, which allowed more than a few chunk plays to Bucknell.
On the ground, E.J. Wilson was decent in a trailing game script. He averaged 5.2 yards per carry, which is precisely what the Navy allowed Bucknell's Paul Neel. For a team whose offense relies on rushing, Navy didn't show much ability to stop it.
Overall, we should see a much better showing from the Temple offense here. It's a team projected to score around 20 points a game, and that output will really help our angle.
Navy Midshipmen Betting Preview: New-Look for Mids
This may be surprising to hear, but the Navy offense will be fun to watch this season. Under new offensive coordinator Drew Cronic, the Midshipmen are returning to the triple-option style.
However, Cronic's scheme is a hybrid Wing-T, which allows for more creativity than your standard I-formation triple-option scheme. Last season at Mercer, Cronic's offense ran 510 rushing plays but also threw the ball 308 times.
We saw this diversity in Navy's opener as it threw the ball 19 times and racked up 173 yards with three passing touchdowns. This added element gives the Navy some explosiveness as defenses fill the box to stop the option.
Additionally, the option looked like the oiled machine it's always been. Navy averaged five yards per carry against Bucknell and had 11 different ball carriers.
It's safe to say that Temple has a lot to prepare for, and its defensive showing last week didn't inspire much.
Temple vs Navy Pick & Prediction
The total in this matchup has been held throughout the week. It dropped down a point after opening at 44, but the hold there is telling, as the market is uncertain about this matchup.
As we went through above, Temple didn't get to show much of its identity offensively last week, while Navy's revamped option scheme doesn't have many data points.
However, I'm willing to capitalize on the unknowns by taking the over.
Navy's new offense will be hard to slow down and has quick-strike potential. Temple has the talent to score points as well against a Navy defense that didn't look good against weaker opposition.
Pick: Over 42.5 (Play to 43.5)
How to Watch Temple vs Navy Live: Start Time, TV Channel, Location
| Location: | Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium |
| Date: | Saturday, Sept. 7 |
| Kickoff Time: | 3:30 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | CBS Sports Network |
Temple vs Navy Betting Trends
- 68% of the bets are on Temple against the spread while only 17% of the money is on the same bet.
Temple vs Navy Weather
