Temple @ Cincinnati preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 29, 2014 ) Cincinnati 14, Temple 6

The Temple Owls are flying high following a Week 1 upset over Penn State - their first win against the Nittany Lions in more than 70 years. Temple will look to carry the momentum of that victory into Cincinnati when it opens its American Athletic Conference schedule with a road game against the Bearcats on Saturday.

The Bearcats began their season with a victory over FCS opponent Alabama A&M but their Week 2 matchup is much more relevant to Cincinnati’s conference title hopes. Temple’s defense limited Bearcats quarterback Gunner Kiel to 174 passing yards in last year’s meeting, but Cincinnati escaped with a 14-6 victory. Kiel and Cincinnati’s high-powered offense is likely in for another challenging contest this year after the Owls defense recorded 10 sacks in Week 1. Temple did most of its scoring on the ground against Penn State, so the Bearcats' defense would do well to shut down Owls running back Jahad Thomas.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPNews. LINE: Cincinnati -6.5

ABOUT THE OWLS (1-0): Thomas finished with 135 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 29 carries against Penn State. Linebacker Tyler Matakevich, who led Temple in tackles in 2014, recorded three sacks against Penn State and was named AAC Defensive Player of the Week. Temple’s passing game is workmanlike but not explosive, with no completed passes longer than 25 yards last week.

ABOUT THE BEARCATS (1-0): Linebacker Clemente Casseus has been suspended by the team for an undisclosed rule violation and will be replaced by Kevin Brown in the starting lineup. Kiel’s top receiving option is Mekale McKay, who saw limited action against Alabama A&M and should be rested and ready for Temple. Cincinnati recorded 296 rushing yards last week, suggesting there is more to its offense than a potent passing game.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Cincinnati has won its last five meetings with Temple, but the Owls hold the overall series lead at 9-7-1.

2. The Bearcats and the Owls are considered two early favorites to win the AAC East Division.

3. The Football Writers Association of America named Temple the Team of the Week for Week 1.

PREDICTION: Owls 20, Bearcats 16