| Final | |
|---|---|
| Navy (3-6, 2-4 American) | 42 |
| Temple (2-7, 1-4 conf.) | 35 |
Jackson Gutierrez carried Navy to a 42-35 victory over Temple on Saturday, rushing for five touchdowns — including the go-ahead score with 1:14 remaining — while also throwing for another. The Midshipmen controlled the game on the ground from start to finish, with Gutierrez never letting Temple pull ahead.
Gutierrez finished with 30 carries for 180 yards and five rushing scores, adding 178 yards through the air on 6-of-11 passing with one touchdown pass. His decisive score came with 1:17 on the clock when he carried right for a 4-yard gain into the end zone, putting Navy up 42-35 for good. Fullback Michael Barrow added 109 yards on 21 carries to give the Midshipmen a punishing ground game, and receiver Jordan Collins contributed a 63-yard reception among his two catches for 112 yards and a score.
How it happened
Temple kept pace through much of the game behind quarterback Jaxon Smolik, who completed 12 of 26 passes for 173 yards and three touchdowns. Wide receiver Jayce Freeman hauled in four catches for 62 yards and two scores for the Owls, while JoJo Bermudez added a 78-yard punt return touchdown and a 41-yard reception among his contributions. Temple's offense generated enough to stay competitive, but the Owls could never find a way past Navy's lead.
The Midshipmen defense did enough to protect Gutierrez's work, with linebacker Nolan McCamy recording seven tackles and a sack. Navy safety Giuseppe Sessi contributed an interception to help blunt one Temple drive.
Standout performances
- Jackson Gutierrez, Navy: 30 carries, 180 yards, 5 rushing TDs; 6-of-11 passing, 178 yards, 1 TD — the engine of the Midshipmen offense all afternoon
- Jordan Collins, Navy: 2 receptions, 112 yards, 1 TD, with a long of 63 yards
- JoJo Bermudez, Temple: 3 punt returns, 159 yards, 1 TD, including a 78-yard return; also caught 2 passes for 55 yards
- Jaxon Smolik, Temple: 12-of-26 for 173 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, keeping the Owls in the game despite Navy's ground dominance
Up next
Navy hosts Memphis on Saturday, Nov. 21 at 12 p.m. ET.