The Army Black Knights are experiencing a notable resurgence in their football performance, particularly driven by a robust defensive unit. With a record of 4-4, Army has triumphed in three out of its last four games, only conceding 61 points over that span. Notably, this includes a 24-17 defeat to Tulane, during which the Black Knights allowed 14 points in the final two minutes, underscoring the importance of maintaining focus throughout the game. Currently, Army ranks third in the American Conference for points allowed, with a season average of 23.1 points, trailing only East Carolina and Memphis.
As the Black Knights gear up for their crucial matchup against Temple on Saturday at noon ET, they find themselves in pursuit of bowl eligibility. To secure a spot, Army must win two of their remaining three games before the bowl announcements on December 7. Their recent victory against Air Force, a 20-17 nailbiter on November 1, has kept their hopes alive for reclaiming the coveted Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy, with an upcoming showdown against Navy scheduled for December 13.
In the thrilling win over Air Force, Army’s defense made significant strides, generating three turnovers, including two interceptions from Gavin Shields and Casey Larkin, along with a fumble recovery thanks to Deshontez Grey following a strip sack orchestrated by Cole Searight. Army’s defensive coordinator, Nate Woody, expressed excitement about the team’s ability to create turnovers, attributing their success partly to their effectiveness in stopping the run, which opened up opportunities for interceptions. Shields highlighted the growing confidence within the squad, noting the increasing comfort level among teammates, particularly within the defensive line.
Statistically, Army’s defense allows an average of 201.9 passing yards and 145.1 rushing yards per game. In contrast, Temple comes into the game with average numbers of 209.3 passing yards and 162.9 rushing yards per contest. Temple is looking to bounce back from a disappointing 45-14 defeat against East Carolina in their last outing on November 1.
Fans can catch the game at Michie Stadium in West Point, New York, with kickoff set for 12 p.m. ET, broadcasted on CBS Sports Network. The history between these two teams highlights an evenly matched rivalry, as this contest marks their 15th meeting, currently tied at 7-7, with Army winning the last three encounters. The weather at kickoff is expected to be mild at 60 degrees, a promising sign for the players and fans alike.
As Army seeks to build momentum and secure their path to bowl eligibility, the upcoming game against Temple presents a vital opportunity for continued improvement and success on the field.