Temple's Walker & Armstead to play in AAC title game

ANNAPOLIS, MD -- Temple senior quarterback Phillip Walker has been in a walking boot this week due to a foot injury, but he will be ready to go when the Owls visit Navy in Saturday's noon American Athletic Conference football champonship.

Sophomore running back Ryquell Armstead, who has an assortment of injuries, is also ready for action.

Coach Matt Rhule confirmed that both will play, during Friday's press conference at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. What Rhule doesn't know is how effective either will be.

"They both are going to try to play," Rhule said. "PJ is further along than Ryquell."

Walker is a four-year starter who owns several school records including most wins by a starting quarterback, 27.

This season he has completed 57.9 percent of his passes for 2,700 yards, 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

Rhule says that redshirt freshman Logan Marchi has taken most of the reps this week at quarterback.

Armstead, a product of Millville, has rushed for 842 yards (6.1 avg.) and a team-high 13 rushing touchdowns.

"With regard to Armstead, we tried to bring him along and get him as healthy as we can," Rhule said. "He says he will give it a try. Whatever that means, we will have to wait and see."

Both players were emphatic in telling Rhule that they were ready to go, but it's not as simple as that.

"As the coach, I have to make plans based on what I think will happen," Rhule said. "I think tthey both will try and see how well they play and how long they can go."