Army vs. Temple Predictions, Picks & Odds for Early Friday CFB

The Army Black Knights return from an early bye week Friday afternoon for a trip to Philadelphia, where the Temple Owls will open their American Conference schedule at Lincoln Financial Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Army enters at 1-1 after opening the season with a 59-3 win over FCS opponent Bryant before dropping a 28-24 road game at South Florida. The Black Knights carried a 24-14 lead deep into the fourth quarter against USF before the Bulls scored the final 14 points, leaving Army with its first loss before last week’s bye.

Temple has played one additional game and brings a 1-2 record into Friday’s matchup. The Owls handled FCS opponent Rhode Island 38-14 in their opener before hosting then-No. 16 Penn State at the Linc. Temple held the Nittany Lions scoreless in the first quarter, took an early 3-0 lead and went into halftime down only 10-3 before Penn State eventually pulled away for a 27-9 win.

The Owls came even closer to picking up an FBS win last weekend. Temple went on the road to Toledo and built a 42-28 fourth-quarter lead before the Rockets scored twice late to force overtime. Ajani Sheppard answered Toledo’s overtime touchdown with a 22-yard TD run, but Temple’s attempt to win the game with a two-point conversion came up short in a 49-48 loss. Sheppard finished with 230 total yards and four touchdowns in the defeat.

Army’s calling card remains its rushing attack. The Black Knights enter Friday averaging an FBS-best 394 rushing yards per game, highlighted by a 569-yard performance on the ground against Bryant. Temple has leaned on its own running game as well, averaging 221.3 rushing yards through three games after producing 261 on the ground at Toledo.

There also isn’t much separating these programs historically. Army leads the all-time series 8-7 and has won four straight meetings, but last season’s matchup at West Point came down to a single point. Temple went on the road and pushed the Black Knights throughout a 14-13 Army victory, setting up another short spread when the series shifts to Philadelphia this afternoon.

Army vs. Temple Odds

Army is a short road favorite for Friday afternoon’s college football matchup at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook:

• Point Spread: Army -2.5 (-125) | Temple +2.5 (+105)
• Moneyline: Army -150 | Temple +130
• Total: Over 48.5 (-105) | Under 48.5 (-115)

Referenced odds subject to change.

Best Bet for Army vs. Temple

Temple +2.5 (+105): There isn’t a lot of evidence yet to suggest Army should be laying points on the road in this matchup. Both teams have only beaten FCS opponents, while their opportunities against FBS competition have resulted in several close losses.

Temple has at least been tested in two different situations. The Owls stayed within striking distance of a powerhouse in Penn State at home and then nearly knocked off Toledo on the road, taking a 14-point lead into the closing minutes before eventually losing in overtime.

Army had its own upset opportunity against South Florida, leading by 10 in the fourth quarter before falling 28-24. The Black Knights have since had a bye to prepare, but we’re not ready to lay points with them on the road based on what we’ve seen through two games.

Last year’s meeting is also worth mentioning – Temple went into West Point and lost 14-13, and this time the Owls get Army at Lincoln Financial Field.

With the matchup shifting to Philadelphia and Temple catching 2.5 points at home, we’ll back the home underdog and make Temple +2.5 our best bet for Friday afternoon.

• Best Bet: Temple +2.5 (+105)

Betting Splits at Hard Rock Bet

Hard Rock Bet players are backing Army heavily on both the moneyline and spread:

• Moneyline: Army has pulled in 74.4% of all moneyline tickets and 73.5% of the handle.
• Spread: Army -2.5 is receiving 71% of all spread tickets, while 77.9% of the handle is on the Black Knights to cover.
• Total: Over 48.5 has drawn 77.3% of all tickets, but Under 48.5 accounts for 52.3% of the handle.

Army vs. Temple Game Info

• 🏟️ Location: Lincoln Financial Field – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• 📅 Date: Friday, September 25
• ⏰ Start Time: 4 p.m. ET
• 📺 Where to Watch: ESPN

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