Temple Sinks Navy, 34-10, Claims American Athletic Conference Championship

Saturday, December 3

Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis, MD

12:00 p.m.

Temple University

10-3 , 7-1

Navy

9-3 , 7-1

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Temple

Navy

Photo by: Joseph V. Labolito/Temple University

Temple Sinks Navy, 34-10, Claims American Athletic Conference Championship

12.3.16 | Football

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By: Jim Sullivan

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Battling a multitude of uncompromising conditions, including a hostile crowd and a slew of historical shortcomings, Temple exorcized its figurative demons behind a 34-10 win over No. 19 Navy, securing the American Athletic Conference Championship on Saturday afternoon at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Field.

With their seventh consecutive victory, the Owls improve to 10-3 (7-1 American) on the season, locking up the program's first conference championship since earning the 1967 Middle Atlantic Conference title. Furthermore, the victory pushed Temple back into the 10-win column for the second straight year, another first for the Owls, setting up the team for another shot at the elusive (and record-breaking) 11^th win.

Despite an unfavorable wind pinning the Owls' offense deep in their own territory to start the game, senior QB Phillip Walker and Co. proceeded to methodically work their system on a 12-play, 75-yard scoring drive. The unit threw an unpredictable mix of run and pass at the Navy defensive front, capping off the game's opening possession with senior RB Jahad Thomas' untouched 15-yard sweep up the left sideline and into the endzone.

The Temple defense continued to live up to the reputation it established over the last six games, surrendering just 28 yards before forcing a turnover-on-downs as the Midshipmen failed to convert a long fourth-and-seven just across midfield.

With solid field position and momentum on their side, the offense took advantage behind, once again, a well-balanced attack. Situated just outside the red zone and fighting a relentless wind, Walker tossed a dime to WR Ventell Bryant on a 22-yard corner route, allowing the sophomore space to shake his shadow and walk in for the touchdown and a two-score lead.

On the day, Walker finished 16-of-25 for 199 yards and two scores, helping complement the usually ground-centric offense with his accurate passing game. For his efforts, the senior earned the game's Most Outstanding Player honor, standing apart due to his role in setting up Temple in its quick start.

The Navy offense finally came to life on the ensuing possession, converting a crucial third down with a 34-yard toss up the left sideline. Junior safety Sean Chandler, who had been fooled on the deep pass, fixed his own mistake a snap later, sniffing out a pitch and forcing a fumble out of the usually turnover-resistant Midshipmen.

Calmly working with a 14-point edge and a now quieted crowd, Walker maneuvered the Owls to yet another scoring drive, this time singling out WR Keith Kirkwood on a 56-yard strike down the field's centerline. The junior would end the game with a career-high in receiving yards (98) in addition to tying his career-best in catches (5).

Navy soaked up a boatload of clock after taking over two possessions later, chipping away chunks of yards with its famed triple-option. On a single play, however, both Temple and the Midshipmen suffered significant losses, as Navy QB Will Worth was injured on a head-to-head collision with senior Owl LB Avery Williams, who was summarily injured and also ejected for targeting.

Reserve QB Zach Abey led his squad nearly the length of the field following the injury, finally getting stonewalled just short of the endzone at the six-yard line. The Midshipmen proceeded to end Temple's shutout bid, tacking on a field goal and slightly cutting the lead with just 5:12 left in the first half.

Walker and the offense sought to reclaim the 21-point advantage, setting up freshman kicker and second-team All-Conference selection Aaron Boumerhi twice, the first missing left from 50-yards out before watching his second — a career-long 48-yarder courtesy of senior DB Nate Hairston's interception — sail through the uprights.

The second half started just as positively as the first, as the Temple defense forced its second turnover-on-downs of the game. As the quarter progressed, though, Navy was able to finally find the endzone, cutting the lead to 14 as the pair entered the final period.

With possession entering the fourth quarter, Temple was able to burn through just shy of five minutes before the Midshipmen could slow them down, concluding the drive with a 42-yard field goal connection from Boumerhi, good for a 17-point edge.

Despite Navy refusing to concede, the Temple defense stood strong as the clock continued to wind down, first forcing yet another turnover-on-downs before senior DL Haason Reddick picked off Abey's pass on the right sideline.

Sophomore RB Ryquell Armstead cleaned up any lingering doubts a play later, breaking off a 30-yard rush for a game-sealing touchdown.

Up next, Temple advances to its second consecutive bowl game for the first time in school history. The Owls will find out their postseason destination late Sunday afternoon. Navy, meanwhile, will turn its attention to rival military academy Army and the pair's annual winter clash, scheduled this year for Dec. 10 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, MD.

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