Record: 23-23-1
Record in Temple games: 7-1
As a longtime Temple fan, I can't believe what's transpired so far this season. The Navy game was impressive but I couldnt help but think why they didnt put eight or nine in the box. Defenses have to eventually realize that Bernard Pierce is the only threat here. Vaughn Charlton has been an awful awful awful quarterback. He's been inaccurate and has thrown a couple of bad interceptions this season and last game alone. The problem is that Chester Stewart, the backup, isnt learning the offense quick enough. He's got raw talent but seems to struggle at times.
The backbone of this team besides Pierce is the defense. They just don't let the run beat them. Unfortunately, that means they get bitten on the passing attack. Their secondary struggles with giving receivers cushions. Anthony Ferla has improved but still needs work. If the Owls ever decided to play press coverage, their defense would be top 30 in the country but until then their gonna get beaten over the top.
Miami Ohio is coming off their two best efforts of the season. They barely lost to NIU and beat Toledo. An offense that started out the season with 71 points in their first seven has scored 53 in their last two games. The Redhawks are doing it thru the air coming off throwing for 344 yards against Toledo. Granted the Rockets defense is pretty bad but the confidence has to be there on their end.
Clearly, the Owls are the better team. There are a couple of factors that play against them though. First, they are coming off a short week after playing Navy and their quirky style. The adjustments have to be made and not much time is there to make them. Second, they are getting more publicity then they ever have. The AP and USA Today top 25 poll votes bring more attention along with the 15 Harris Votes. Both CBS Sportsline and ESPN people were on the MAC conference call with Coach Golden. The team can't read their press clippings and must play well. Finally, bad teams just don't blow teams out. Temple has proven they arent bad but a few mistakes and all of a sudden they spiral back to the old team they were. The Owls are winning this game but it won't be easy.
Prediction: Temple 28-17