Army vs. Temple: Prediction, odds, key players to watch in college football week 5

Army started 2024 3-0, their first in the AAC, and has shown significant improvement on offense this season.

The Black Knights travel on a short week to face Temple, who improved their season record to 1-3 with an underdog win at home against Utah State. Have the Owls turned things around? Or will this be another conference win for Army, who is looking to make a splash in their new conference?

Here is our betting preview for Thursday’s game:

Spread

Money line

In total: 45.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook

army

Bryson daily: The Black Knights quarterback appears to be very comfortable on offense this season after a lackluster performance for much of 2023. He has attempted just 17 passes but has managed to gain six yards per carry on 54 carries, including two touchdowns on the ground.

temple

Evan Simon: Simon led the Owls to a home victory in his second start of the season. He has given the team some identity on offense, completing 65.4% of his passes for seven touchdowns and running the ball 22 times for 53 yards.

Army is off to an underwhelming start to the season, covering all three games so far, and this is an incredibly difficult situation for the Owls, who have little rest and preparation to face the Black Knights' revitalized triple-option scheme.

Temple's defense currently ranks 107th in EPA/Rush, which poses a major problem against the Army offense, which ranks 3rd in EPA/Rush with Daily leading the way on the ground. The team has also been able to drive the ball down the field with timely passes and ranks 65th in EPA/Pass.

The visitors' ability to gain a lead and move the ball explosively (the team ranks 30th in yards per play) should give them an edge, but given their slow pace of play, it's hard to trust the team as a double-digit favorite.

Instead, I'll aim for the over.

The Owls' offense seems revitalized with Simon at quarterback, scoring 20 and 45 points over the last two weeks and driving the ball further down the field. He's averaging 60% of yards per dropback over the last two weeks compared to games last season.

Army's defense isn't incredibly strong, ranking 98th in net EPA/game, so I believe Temple can do its part to score some points.

However, after Navy allowed 38 points earlier this season, I believe Army should get its fair share as well.

I'm going to hold my nose and take an over in a military academy game.

CHOICE: OVER 45.5

The game odds are updated regularly and are subject to change.

Follow Reed on Twitter @ReedWallach and get all his college football bets on Betting stamp @rw33

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