Jackson Gutierrez Carries Navy Past Temple After Dramatic 28-Point Collapse
Jackson Gutierrez rushed for a career-high five touchdowns and punched in the game-winner with just 1:14 remaining on the clock, rescuing Navy from a disastrous 28-point collapse to secure a 42-35 victory over Temple on Saturday in Annapolis, Maryland.
The Midshipmen appeared to be cruising to an easy conference win after building a commanding 28-0 lead built entirely on four short touchdown runs by Gutierrez. But the game flipped on the final play of the first half when Temple’s JoJo Bermudez returned a punt 78 yards for a touchdown, sparking an offensive surge that erased the home team’s advantage.
How the Owls Staged Their Fourth-Quarter Rally
Temple chipped away at the deficit through the third quarter before exploding for 21 points in the final period. The Owls capitalized on a failed Navy fake punt, setting up Jaxon Smolik to deliver a 25-yard touchdown pass that tied the game at 35-35 with just 5 1/2 minutes left to play.
Smolik finished the afternoon throwing for 173 yards and three touchdowns—connecting twice with Jayce Freeman and once with Bermudez—while tossing a single interception. Despite the furious comeback, Temple struggled to establish any rhythm on the ground, managing just 45 rushing yards compared to a punishing 317-yard rushing output by Navy.
Gutierrez Powers Ground Attack to Reclaim Lead
Faced with the sudden collapse of a four-touchdown lead, the Midshipmen (3-6, 2-4 American) turned back to what worked all afternoon: grinding out yards on the ground. They answered Temple’s tying score with a methodical nine-play, 75-yard drive.
Gutierrez jump-started the march with a tackle-breaking 39-yard run, ultimately capping the drive with his fifth and final score from four yards out to reclaim the lead. Gutierrez finished with a massive statistical line, rumbling for 180 yards on 30 carries while also completing passes for 178 yards, including a 49-yard touchdown strike to Jordan Collins.
Collins made the most of his limited opportunities, racking up 112 yards on just two receptions, while teammate Michael Barrow chipped in 109 yards on 21 carries. When the final whistle blew, Navy outgained Temple 495 total yards to 218, surviving a fierce scare that nearly handed the Owls (2-7, 1-4) their second conference win.
Looking Ahead to Upcoming Matchups
Temple returns home next Saturday to host UAB as the Owls look to bounce back from the heartbreaker in Annapolis.
Meanwhile, Navy returns to home turf to face Memphis on November 21.
