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Temple-Army Preview: Owls brace for triple-option attack

If Temple hopes to be bowl eligible at the end of the regular season, they may need to defeat Army.

Temple quarterback Logan Marchi has thrown nine touchdown passes this season, but also eight interceptions.
Temple quarterback Logan Marchi has thrown nine touchdown passes this season, but also eight interceptions.Read moreYong Kim/Staff Photographer

Army (5-2) is favored over the 3-4 Owls in a noon kickoff at Michie Stadium in West Point, N.Y. The host Black Knights are second in the nation in rushing, averaging 374.8 yards per game. Last year the Black Knights rushed for 329 yards and four touchdowns in a 28-13 win at Lincoln Financial Field. The entire key is stopping the triple option, guided by senior quarterback Ahmad Bradshaw, who has rushed for 22 career touchdowns. Temple is allowing 167.1 yards per game on the ground. With the offense sputtering, there will be even more pressure on the Owls defense to keep Army in check. Temple needs to go 3-2 in its final five games to be bowl eligible.

How to watch and follow the game

TV: CBS Sports Network
Online streaming: Available via CBS Sports' website, free with authentication but only available to subscribers of select TV providers. Comcast, DirecTV, Dish Network and RCN are not included. Verizon FiOS is included.
Radio: 610-AM WTEL
Twitter: @sjnard

Coaches

Temple: Geoff Collins (1st year, 3-4)
Army: Jeff Monken (4th season, 19-25; overall, 55-43).

Key players

Temple: QB Logan Marchi, 6-0, 205, R-So. (136-245 passing, 1,658 yards, 9 TDs, 8 interceptions); RB Ryquell Armstead, 5-11, 205, Jr. (277 yards rushing, 3.2 avg. 1 TD); WR-DE Keith Kirkwood, 6-3, 220, R-Sr. (21 receptions, 324 yards, 2 TDs); LB Chapelle Russell, 6-1, 225, R-So. (53 tackles, 2 forced fumbles); DE Jacob Martin, 6-2, 250 Sr. (12 tackles, 5.5 sacks);  S Delvon Randall, 6-1, 220, Jr. (50 tackles, 3 interceptions); S Sean Chandler, 6-0, 195 Sr. (37 tackles).

Army: QB Ahmad Bradshaw, 5-11, 205, Sr., (818 yards rushing, 7.7 avg., 7 TDs); RB Kell Walker, 5-9, 195, So.  (447 yards rushing, 9.3 avg., 4 TDs); FB Andy Davidson, 6-2, 235, Jr. (365 yards rushing, 5.4 avg., 2 TDs); RT Brett Toth, 6-6, 305, Sr.; LB Alex Aukerman, 6-1, 260, Sr. (28 tackles, 9.5 TFL, 5 sacks); LB Cole Christian, 6-2, 235, So. 36 tackles, 3 TFL); LB James Nachtigal, 60, 235, Jr. (50 tackles, 3 TFL)

Head to Head

Temple owns a 7-5 lead. Army won last year's meeting 28-13, outscoring the Owls, 14-0 in the fourth quarter.

Temple’s upcoming games

The Owls have a bye next weekend.

Thurs. Nov. 2: vs Navy, 8 p.m. (ESPN)
Friday Nov. 10: at Cincinnati, 7 p.m. (ESPN2)
Saturday Nov. 18: vs. Central Florida, time TBD (TV TBD)
Saturday Nov. 25: at Tulsa, time TBD (TV TBD)