Navy Midshipmen running back Jackson Gutierrez rushed for five touchdowns — a career high — including the go-ahead 4-yard run with 1:14 remaining, as Navy defeated Temple Owls 42–35 on Saturday in Annapolis.
Navy built a 28–0 lead in the first half on four short touchdown runs by Gutierrez. JoJo Bermudez returned a punt 78 yards for a Temple touchdown just before halftime. Temple scored 21 points in the fourth quarter to tie the game. After a failed Navy fake punt, Temple quarterback Jaxon Smolik threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to tie the score with 5 minutes, 30 seconds left. Navy responded with a nine-play, 75-yard rushing drive that ended with Gutierrez’s 39-yard tackle-breaking run and his decisive 4-yard touchdown.
TOP NEWS
Gutierrez gained 180 yards on 30 carries and passed for 178 yards, including a 49-yard touchdown to wide receiver Jordan Collins, who finished with 112 yards on two receptions. Navy fullback Michael Barrow added 109 rushing yards on 21 carries. Smolik passed for 173 yards and three touchdowns — two to Jayce Freeman and one to Bermudez — and threw one interception. Temple rushed for 45 yards; Navy rushed for 317. Navy outgained Temple 495–218.
The Owls fall to 2–7 overall and 1–4 in the American Athletic Conference. The Midshipmen improve to 3–6 overall and 2–4 in the conference. Temple hosts UAB next Saturday. Navy hosts Memphis on November 21.
More: NCAAF
