Lincoln Financial- In front of a crowd of 34,005 the Army Black Knights seemed not to be faze by all the hoopla and fanfare of it all. The Black Knights were just too physical and beat the Temple Owls 28-13 Friday night at the Lincoln Financial Stadium in Philadelphia, PA.
The Temple’s defense did not have an answer for fullback Andy Davidson who rushed for 121 yards with two touchdowns for the ground and pound Army ‘s offense. The Black Knights amassed 329 yards on the ground, which were both team’s opener.
The Black Knights coming off a 2-10 season sent an early message to the Owls, that this team wasn’t the Army team of old. Army held the Temple’s offense with 251 total yards and came up with three interceptions in Friday’s night game.
“ We didn’t play well at all Army just played a much more physical game than we did. Now maybe my team can stop believing how good they are and go to work this week. My hats go off to Army and their staff but our season isn’t over.” Said Coach Rhule.
Temple closed out the first quarter with an 8 play; 80 yards drive which chewed up 3:59 off the clock. Running back Raquell Armstead plunged it in from 6 yards out giving the Owls an early 7-0 lead. Armstead got the start with standout senior Jahad Thomas, out with a hand injury. The sophomore running back finished with 77 yards on 16 carries for Temple.
The Black Knights trailing 10-7 at halftime, Army marched the field to start off the third quarter with Andy Davidson’s 3 yard td scamper elapsing a 12 play, 77 yards that chewed up 6:42 to put them up 14-10 and the Black Knights never looked back.
The Owls were not done they came down and booted a 27 yard field goal that put Temple within one, but the Black Knights had a different plan of action for the Owls.
Army put together a 14 play, 81 yards drive that ended with Tyler Campbell running through a couple of Owls for a 12 yard touchdown run. That drive took all the air out of the Owls defense and gave the Black Knights a 21-13 lead with 9:38 left in the game.
Black Knights linebacker Kenneth Brinson sealed the win with an interception with 3:11 remaining, sending many of the Owls fans to the exits early. Andy Davidson put the game on ice with a 17- yard touchdown jaunt, his second of the game.
Temple Senior quarterback PJ Walker a four- year starter completed 12-26 passes for 168 yards and three interceptions. Walker became Temple’s all-time passing leader with a 14- yard strike to wide out Keith Kirkwood in the third quarter, surpassing Henry Burris.
“ We didn’t play well this game but I have all the confidence in all my team mates, this week we will watch the film and be ready for next week. This senior class has something to prove, I have something to prove. In no shape or form our season is over, our goal is to win the conference.” Said PJ Walker.
