Gutierrez Scores Winner as Navy Holds Off Temple Comeback
The Midshipmen preserved a 42-35 victory despite surrendering a 28-point lead, with Jackson Gutierrez rushing for a career-high five touchdowns.
By Marco Kapoor ·
Jackson Gutierrez ran for a career-high five touchdowns to help Navy defeat Temple 42-35 on Saturday in Annapolis. The Midshipmen clinched the win with 1:14 left in the fourth quarter, overcoming a 28-point deficit that had threatened to erase their early dominance.
Navy built a 28-0 lead in the first half on four short rushing touchdowns by Gutierrez. JoJo Bermudez returned a punt 78 yards on the final play of the first half, initiating a comeback for the Owls. Temple scored 21 points in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 35.
After a failed fake punt by Navy, Jaxon Smolik threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Bermudez to equalize the score with 5:30 remaining. Temple's offense stalled on the following drive, allowing Navy to respond with a nine-play, 75-yard rushing sequence.
Gutierrez broke through a defensive tackle for a 39-yard gain before finishing the drive with a 4-yard rushing touchdown. The score proved decisive as the clock ran down.
Gutierrez finished the game with 180 yards on 30 carries and 178 passing yards, including a 49-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Collins. Michael Barrow added 109 rushing yards for Navy. The Midshipmen outgained Temple 495 to 218, with Navy rushing for 317 yards compared to Temple's 45.
Smolik threw for 173 yards and three touchdowns for Temple, two of which went to Jayce Freeman. The Owls recorded two interceptions and finished with a 2-7 record. Navy now sits at 3-6. Temple hosts UAB next Saturday, while Navy plays Memphis at home on Nov. 21.
