Temple @ Navy preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 2, 2017 ) Navy 26, Temple 34

Following one of its most dominant performances in recent memory, Temple hopes the momentum continues into Saturday's showdown at Navy. The Owls trounced East Carolina 49-6 last weekend and now must contend with the Midshipmen, who are looking to avoid a third straight loss.

Anthony Russo was brilliant in the win over East Carolina, throwing as many touchdowns (four) as incompletions. "Each week, gaining that confidence is a big thing, especially at this position, and just getting comfortable with the calls, what Coach is calling that week," said Russo after leading Temple to its largest margin of victory in an FCS game. Navy is coming off a disappointing 35-7 loss at Air Force in which the team averaged only 3.1 yards per carry and totaled 49 yards through the air. "It was just a good old-fashioned butt whooping. Give Air Force all the credit. No excuses. They beat the crap out of us," Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo said. "It’s hard to put into words. We’ve been playing these guys for a long time and that’s probably the worst butt-whooping we’ve gotten."

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network. LINE: Temple -7

ABOUT TEMPLE (3-3, 2-0 AAC): The Owls have scored 68 points in the last two meetings with Navy and enter this matchup with serious momentum as the win over East Carolina marked the largest FCS victory ever for Temple. Isaiah Wright scored two touchdowns last week and Ryquell Armstead rushed 20 times for 91 yards and a score to highlight the crisp offensive performance. On the other side of the ball, Temple gave up a season-low 196 yards and forced three-and-outs on nine of its 16 defensive drives.

ABOUT NAVY (2-3, 1-1): Navy ranks outside the top 100 in points allowed (33.4), which puts more pressure on its terrific rushing attack. As a team, Navy averages over five yards per carry with Malcolm Perry (584 yards, 5.6 per carry) leading the way. Perry has six of the squad's 18 rushing touchdowns, while Zach Abey has found the end zone seven times on only 20 rushing attempts.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Navy has attempted 49 passes and 303 running plays this season.

2. Russo's completion percentage against East Carolina (81.0) was more than his completion percentage in the previous two games combined (35.0 and 44.4).

3. Armstead has six rushing TDs in the last three games after recording none in his first three games.

PREDICTION: Temple 21, Navy 17