Annapolis, MD–What began as a one-sided afternoon turned into an unforgettable battle between two teams searching for answers to disappointing seasons.

Navy and Temple entered Saturday’s matchup with identical 2-6 records, a far cry from the expectations surrounding two programs that were among the American Athletic Conference’s top teams a year ago. Injuries, missed opportunities and inconsistent performances have contributed to difficult seasons for both sides.

For much of the first half, Navy appeared to have complete control. But Temple responded with an explosive second-half performance, turning a 28-point deficit into a tied game before the Midshipmen ultimately escaped with a 42-35 victory.

Navy wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. Temple fumbled the opening kickoff, giving the Midshipmen possession after recovering the first fumble of their season. Quarterback Jackson Gutierrez capitalized on the opportunity, scoring on a one-yard touchdown run to give Navy an early 7-0 advantage.

Temple’s next possession ended with a punt, and Navy quickly went back to work. A 63-yard pass put the Midshipmen in scoring position, setting up Gutierrez for another one-yard touchdown run and a 14-0 lead.

Gutierrez continued to find success on the ground, adding his third rushing touchdown of the afternoon on another one-yard carry to extend Navy’s advantage to 21-0.

Just before halftime, the Midshipmen took advantage of another favorable field position and Gutierrez delivered once again, breaking into the end zone from six yards out. His fourth rushing touchdown gave Navy what appeared to be a comfortable 28-0 lead.

Temple, however, found a spark just before the break.

Wide receiver Jo Jo Bermudez returned a punt 76 yards for a touchdown as time expired in the first half, giving the Owls some much-needed momentum heading into the locker room. Navy still held a 28-7 advantage, but the momentum was beginning to shift.

Temple Rallies Behind Bermudez

The Owls carried that energy into the second half.

Temple opened the third quarter with another big play when Bermudez hauled in a 41-yard touchdown reception, trimming Navy’s lead to 28-14 with 11:53 remaining in the quarter.

The Owls continued to chip away at the deficit in the fourth quarter, adding a nine-yard touchdown pass to make it a 28-21 game.

Bermudez remained the centerpiece of Temple’s comeback, delivering timely receptions and making plays with the ball in his hands. Running back Sam Brown added a one-yard touchdown run, bringing the Owls within striking distance at 35-28 with 7:43 remaining.

Temple’s defense then provided another opportunity for the comeback.

The Owls stopped Navy’s fake punt attempt at the Midshipmen’s own 29-yard line with 6:18 left, giving Temple excellent field position and an opportunity to complete an improbable comeback.

The Owls took advantage.

Temple’s quarterback connected on a 29-yard touchdown pass with 5:35 remaining, completing the comeback and tying the game at 35-35.

After surrendering a commanding lead, Navy suddenly found itself in a fight to save the game.

Gutierrez Delivers the Game-Winner

With the game hanging in the balance, Gutierrez once again turned to his legs to provide the answer.

The Navy quarterback powered into the end zone on a four-yard touchdown run with 1:14 remaining, recording his fifth rushing touchdown of the afternoon and restoring the Midshipmen’s lead at 42-35.

Temple had one final opportunity to force overtime, but Navy’s defense came through when it mattered most.

With 51 seconds remaining, the Midshipmen stopped the Owls on fourth down, securing the victory and bringing Temple’s comeback attempt to an end.

The 42-35 defeat officially eliminated Temple from bowl eligibility, ending its hopes of reaching the postseason.

Navy also faces a difficult path toward bowl eligibility, with the Midshipmen needing additional victories before their annual showdown with Army.

Despite nearly letting a 28-point advantage disappear, Navy came away with a much-needed victory behind Gutierrez’s five rushing touchdowns.

For Temple, Bermudez’s spectacular performance and the team’s second-half resilience provided positives, but the early mistakes proved too costly to overcome.

What’s Next

Navy will have a bye next week before returning home in two weeks to host Memphis as the Midshipmen look to build on Saturday’s hard-fought victory.