Navy struggles with third-down efficiency

For the past seven years the Navy football team has made a living out of averaging 3- and 4-yards per play, steadily churning out the first downs and marching down the field.

So it was surprising to see the Midshipmen consistently get into third-and-short situations yesterday and not pick up the first down. Navy, which came into the contest ranked ninth nationally in third down efficiency, went just 7-for-17 in that category in suffering a 27-24 upset loss to Temple.

"We just couldn't get those third-and-shorts. That pretty much sums up the game," Navy fullback Vince Murray said.

Temple's two massive...