Temple vs. UConn Thread

Alright, everything is out for this game. This one means a lot to Temple as the last two times they've played, wins have been questionably snatched away from the Owls.

In 2007, the Owls defeated UConn....No doubt in my mind but the Big East refs somehow couldnt determine that one foot was down. There was like 18 angles that proved the touchdown should have been called. Just in case you needed more proof: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e29JIwN4xko

In 2008, the Owls defeated them again although this time they were robbed by questionable referee calls on the spot of a few plays. This game was huge for Donald Brown but Temple managed to stay in it because of bad weather.

There's a lot of ways to go with this Temple team. They could easily be 0-2 this season pulling out two close games because of a lack of offense. I prefer to look at it differently as this team pulled out two games they lose in their past. This defense has played well for the most part. There's something to bending but not breaking. Their linebacking core was ranked highly by Phil Steele and the front line has gotten consistent pressure. I truly believe this is the best unit UConn has faced so far this season. Todman is definitely a concern. He's been running real well but I think that Temple can hold him down enough to force them to rely on the pass. If there's a weakness on Temple's D it's their secondary. The unit doesn't play press coverage at all so 5-10 yard passes are always there for the opponent.  It'll be a tough test with the Huskie line vs. Owls D-Line. UConn's line is bigger then CMU's and Nova's but Robinson and Wilkerson will use their speed.

The Owls offense is a concern but Bernard Pierce is going to play. Even if he doesn't Matt Brown presents challenges for the defense. His size allows him to go thru holes and around blocks without much stopping him. The wild card is Chester Stewart. His inconsistency is maddening. There are passes he makes with such touch and such precision but then he throws a worm ball or two and chucks one way past the wideouts. He's got the athleticism to run around but he doesn't do it enough. The Owls wideouts are tall and quick. Streeter, Campbell and Nixon have speed and good hands. Heck, even Evan Rodriguez is getting into the act. The Owls O-Line has been good for the most part too this season holding off the pass rush. UConn got all four of their sacks against Texas Southern. They return six of their front seven.

Overview: This is a great chance for the Owls to start 3-0 and put themselves in position for a very good season. One could say that there was a hangover after the Nova game and that they overlooked CMU for this one. UConn is certainly the better team in this one but not by as much as you think. Temple has bridged the talent gap on a lot of teams in I-A football. The best play in this one is the Under. I don't see either team hitting that many big plays on the other. I think there will be a lot of grinding it out by both using Pierce and Todman to the extreme. The best play is the Under....Gun to my head on the spread, i'm going Temple. I just think that they have bridged the gap on their opponents. This game has a lot of buildup among the students and a lot are thinking of revenge. Also, with the big east potentially discussing the Owls for football is Vilenova turns them down, what better way to say to them you want in then beating the Huskies.

Temple 21-20

Under Under Under (and Temple if you put a gun to my head)

Blakejeff, hate going aginst you on this one bit taking Uconn.  Always read your write ups in football and basketball season.  This Temple team isn't clicking yet and looks sluggish especially on offense.  I hope they get it together a week from now.  I really like Temple's coach and what he is doing with program.

I'm looking for the O-Line to rise up to the challenge. I coulda sworn they havent been that bad.

Bracks,

I dont know how I feel about that. The MAC is a nice place for the Owls to be. While I do feel they would compete well in the Big East, I'd rather dominate a lesser conference.

Tampa,

Much agreed on Chester Stewart. He's got potential...it's there down deep. You can see it on some of his throws. He rushes it a bit at times. The thing is the play action works with this team and he's got a good deep ball. It's the intermediate routes that trouble him.

Adding:

SDState/Missou Over 58
Wisky -12
Hawaii/Colorado Over 56
Duke +24.5

Good call BJ!