Navy-Temple at a glance

NAVY KEY: PLAY WITH FOCUS

Navy cannot allow Senior Day ceremonies and thoughts of securing a bowl berth become a distraction. The Midshipmen also cannot overlook an opponent they have beaten handily the last three seasons. Temple is vastly improved and very capable of pulling the upset if Navy does not come to play.

TEMPLE KEY: SCORE SOME POINTS

Temple's inability to move the ball consistently and put points on the scoreboard has been the difference between a winning and losing record. The Owls' defense has been more than adequate, holding opponents to 18 points per game. Sadly, that hasn't been good enough as the offense only managed a field goal in two losses and just nine points in another. Untimely penalties, turnovers and an anemic rushing attack have hurt Temple, which average a mere 98 yards per game on the ground.

SERIES HISTORY: Tied 4-4, but Navy has won three straight by a combined score of 110-42.

INJURY REPORT: NAVY - Defensive end Michael Walsh (foot) is out; quarterback Jarod Bryant (shoulder) is questionable. TEMPLE - Defensive end Brian Sanford (leg) is probable.

OF NOTE: Senior Jarod Bryant will not play quarterback due to a sprained shoulder, but hopes to handle his normal role as holder on place kicks.

Michael Busch, the Maryland Speaker of the House, will serve as a guest coach for Temple today. Busch (St. Mary's High) played running back at Temple and is a 1970 graduate.

Navy offensive line coach Ashley Ingram and wide receivers coach Danny O'Rourke both served as graduate assistants at Temple.

Temple's Travis Shelton ranks ninth in the country with a kickoff return average of 29.7 yards.

Temple is playing on the road for the sixth time in nine games this season.

Navy received two votes in the Associated Press poll this past week.

QUOTE-UNQUOTE: "There's not enough you can do to pay tribute to these young men for all of what they have done for our program and obviously for our country. They're great football players, but they're also great human beings."

- Navy head coach Ken Niumatalolo discussing the team's 33 seniors.

"The kids are excited, it's a big win. We finished a game and showed some toughness. It's the first time we've been in a situation like this where we finished the game and won. It's gratifying."

- Temple head coach Al Golden on last week's come-from-behind win over Ohio.