Temple’s last game was an absolute gut punch, man. They were up 42-28 on Toledo with less than 90 seconds left in regulation, then somehow let it all slip away to lose 49-48 in overtime last week. That’s the kind of loss that sticks with a team, and you know they’re itching to make amends this Friday afternoon when they host Army.
The Devastation Is Real For Both Sides
Look, Temple isn’t the only team walking into Lincoln Financial Field with fresh wounds. Army is coming off a brutal 28-24 loss to USF on September 12, a game where they held a 24-14 lead with less than four minutes remaining. But then, *poof*, it evaporated when USF hit them with a 38-yard touchdown pass with only 19 seconds left on the clock. Army quarterback Cale Hellums actually had a solid outing, completing 9 of 10 passes with a career-high two touchdown throws, but it wasn’t enough to seal the deal. Both these squads are trying to rebound from what the experts are calling “devastating losses,” and that makes for some high-stakes football.
History, Habits, and a Coaching Milestone
When these two meet, Army usually gets the better of it, holding an 8-7 advantage in the all-time series. Under head coach Jeff Monken, the Black Knights have won four straight against Temple since 2016. But Temple has some trends that could make this interesting. While they’ve struggled at home recently, going 1-4 in their last five home games, and are on a four-game losing streak in American Conference games that dates back to the end of last season, they’ve been money against the spread this year. The Owls have actually covered the spread in each of their first three games this season, a nice little streak they’ll want to keep alive. Plus, it’s a massive day for Temple head coach K.C. Keeler, who is coaching in his 400th career game, his 33rd season overall. Talk about a legend! Meanwhile, Army just loves playing close games. They’ve been in 10 one-score games since 2025, which is tied for the second-most in the FBS during that span, with a 4-6 record in those nail-biters. You know this one’s probably going down to the wire.
The Pick That Matters For Friday
The oddsmakers at DraftKings have Army as the favorite, with a money line of -192 compared to Temple at +160. The over/under is set at 48.5 points, with the over at -115 and the under at -105. Army is also favored by 3.5 points on the spread. But here’s the kicker: the SportsLine Projection Model, which has been on a 22-19 run on top-rated CFB money-line picks this season and was upgraded to factor in the transfer portal, is backing Temple +3.5. Given Temple’s ability to cover the spread this season and Army’s habit of making every game a one-possession dogfight, that pick makes a ton of sense. This Friday afternoon game is going to be a battle. Can Temple pull off the upset and keep their spread-covering streak alive for coach Keeler’s big day? You know Army will make it close, that’s just what they do. Don’t miss this one!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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