No. 20 Navy will host Temple in the AAC Championship Game on Saturday, a showdown that could also keep hope alive for the Midshipmen to move ahead of Western Michigan in the College Football Playoff Rankings. (The highest-ranked Group of Five conference champion earns an automatic bid into the Cotton Bowl.)

Navy, even with two losses, is only three spots behind the Broncos after blowout wins over East Carolina and SMU have moved them up the rankings. It seems unlikely Navy could jump up far enough if Western Michigan wins the MAC and moves to 13-0, but Navy will hold out hope that big wins over Temple and Army to close the season could pull them ahead.

Storylines

Navy: The Midshipmen's offense has been on fire as of late, punting only twice in the entire month November. However, for Navy to win this game in impressive fashion -- as it needs to -- the defense has to be better against the run. Navy is 68th nationally in rush yards allowed per game (175.1) but 87th in yards per attempt allowed (4.7). Temple's Jahad Thomas had an up and down season, but he is an explosive playmaker in the backfield.

Navy's offense is excellent at limiting opponent's possessions, but far too often this season against quality opposition the defense has not held up its end of the bargain, allowing opponents to stay in a one-possession game despite a dominant offensive performance. To win in the manner they need to win, the Midshipmen need to turn in a fantastic defensive performance to go along with their incredibly efficient offense.

Temple: The Owls are 24th in the nation in run defense (127.7 ypg allowed) and 26th in yards per carry allowed (3.6). That run defense will be put to the ultimate test by Navy's second ranked rushing attack, one that gains 342 yards per game and 6 yards per carry. Few teams have been able to get off of the field against Navy, which is second nationally in third down conversion rate (57 percent) thanks to an offense that so often stays on schedule and leaves short third down attempts.

Temple's run defense has to be at the top of its game and linebackers have to keep their run fits and eye discipline tight at all times against the option attack. Getting Navy off schedule is the best way to disrupt the offense, but that's easier said than done. On the few occasions that Temple can do that, the defense has to get off the field on third down when the Midshipmen need five or more yards to convert.

Prediction

The Midshipmen are the public side, the sharp side and pretty much anyone's side in this game, getting 85 percent of tickets and 87 percent of the money. Temple will be motivated and the offense will have an opportunity to put up points on Navy, but it's hard for me not to side with the hot hand here and take Navy's offense to out-duel the Owls in this one and pull away by more than three points. Pick: Navy -3