30 Games in 30 Days: #30 Temple at Navy

Kickoff is just 30 Days away and what better way to work towards the Mid American Conference 2009 season than by looking at some of the key games of the season. MAC-Smack will be counting down our completely subjective top 30 games for 2009. I considered things like MAC implications, series history, school proximity, and media coverage.

So to get us kicked off it's our football only member Temple visiting Navy

Temple	@ Navy

When: October 31, 2009
Where: Annapolis, Maryland

All Time: Navy 5-4

Date	Temple	Navy
November 1, 2008	27	33
August 31, 2007	19	30
November 18, 2006	6	42
November 19, 2005	17	38
August 30, 2001	45	26
September 2, 2000	17	6
November 8, 1997	17	49
October 19, 1991	21	14
September 17, 1988	12	7

This game is all about redemption. Redemption for Al Golden who did not put pride aside and instead of taking a knee tried to run up the middle. Redemption for Kee-ayre Griffin who put the ball on the ground in the waning minutes of the game after trying to get a meaningless yard. Redemption for Steve Maneri who dropped a 4th down touchdown pass the in overtime. Redemption for Jake Brownell who missed a PAT early in the fourth quarter.

Temple had Navy dead to rights; a knee down, a ball held, a catch in OT, or an extra point makes the Owls 6-6 with a win over a quality out of conference opponent likely getting them to a Bowl game.

While Temple has all the motivation in the world for this game Navy might very well get caught looking ahead to their rival Notre Dame who will host the Midshipmen November 7th. Navy was very lucky to beat the Owls last year and the coaching staff knew it:

"I'm kind of stunned right now,The way [we] won that game is just unbelievable." -- Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo

This is what temple fans had to watch last year

If Temple fails to win the East Division a win over Navy would probably be a feather in their cap when at large Bowl selection begins. As an institution they have a great television market and a road win over decent out of conference opponent will likely be the icing on the cake for any Bowl left looking for a team.

While this game has no implications on the Mid-American Conference there is an amount of recent history between these teams. After being ejected from the Big East temple spent the 2005 and 2006 seasons as an Independent program, they have lost to Navy Every year since then. Temple blew a chance to recapture the series lead lead last year and have to be aching to even this series out.

The Schools are only about two hours apart so Temple Fans can have a relaxed breakfast get the carpool together and still make it to Navy-Marine Corp Memorial Stadium with time to Tailgate. If you cant make the drive you'll need Direct TV as the game is being broadcast on CBS College Sports Network (Channel 613).