The score of the game Saturday afternoon’s game makes it seem like Temple actually put up a fight. However, it could have been further from the truth, as the Temple Owls were sunk by the United States Naval Academy Midshipmen, 38-11, in the 2024 American Athletic Conference season opener.
The Mids opened the scoring with just under six-minutes remaining in the 1st quarter when Owls’ quarterback Forrest Brock bungled a snap and was obliterated by Navy defensive end Justin Reed for a safety. It was downhill from there, the Owls allowed Navy quarterback Blake Horvath to rush for 122-yards and three touchdowns. But that’s not all, Horvath connected with running back Eli Heidenreich four times for 98-yards and a touchdown. That’s right, a Navy touchdown through the air! But don’t worry, folks, as per usual, the Midshipmen mainly kept it on the ground including an additional 92-yards and a touchdown from fullback Alex Tecza. In all, the Midshipmen totaled 409-yards of offense on the afternoon.
While it was mostly bad for the Owls, there were a few bright spots. Transfer wide receiver Dante Wright hauled in 11-receptions for 101-yards and the Owls only touchdown. Kicker Maddux Trujillo also nailed a field goal as time expired in the first half. Other than that, it was very reminiscent of a Temple Owls game circa the Bobby Wallace era.
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | TOTAL |
| Temple | 0 | 3 | 0 | 8 | 11 |
| Navy | 9 | 14 | 15 | 0 | 38 |
Offensive Game Balls
- Navy QB Blake Horvath- 5-for-9 for 112-yards, 1 TD, 15 carries for 122-yards, 3 TDs
- Navy RB Eli Heidenreich- 4 receptions for 98-yards, 1 TD
Defensive Game Balls
- Navy LB Colin Ramos- 15 total tackles, 0.5 tackles-for-loss, 1 pass breakup
- Temple LB DJ Woodbury- 10 total tackles, 1 QB hit
Game Notes
- Temple WR Dante Wright’s 11 receptions were a career high
- Temple QB Forrest Brock completed passes to 12 different receivers
- Navy now leads the all-time series 10-9
- The Midshipmen have now won four out of the past five meetings against Temple
What’s Next for Temple Football in 2024
The Temple Owls will welcome Sun Belt Conference member Coastal Carolina to Lincoln Financial Field for the 2024 home opener on Saturday, September 14.
- Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (2-0) at Temple Owls (0-2)
- When: Saturday, September 14, 2024
- Where: Lincoln Financial Field | Philadelphia, PA
- Kickoff: 2:00 PM/EDT
- TV: ESPN+
- First Ever Meeting
