Villanova @ Temple preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 1, 2011 ) Villanova 7, Temple 42

Temple starts Big East play for the first time since 2004 in October, but the Owls can’t look too far ahead as they begin their non-conference slate against city-rival Villanova on Friday in the fourth Mayor’s Cup game. Temple has beaten the Wildcats the last two seasons after losing the inaugural game in 2009. The Owls may not be deep overall, but they boast a dangerous 1-2 punch at running back with Matt Brown and Montel Harris. Brown ran for more than 1,700 yards combined the last two seasons and Harris transfers from Boston College, where he is the all-time leading rusher. The Wildcats, the 2009 FCS national champion, won’t be a pushover with 20 starters returning. Villanova has talent on defense and NFL prospect Norman White, a wide receiver who missed last season with a foot injury, is back to lead the offense.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN3. LINE: None

VILLANOVA (2011: 2-9, 1-7 CAA): A rebound season could depend on how well quarterback Chris Polony handles the full-time job. Polony started four games and played in seven last year, throwing for 713 yards with seven touchdowns and six interceptions. The return of the 6-foot-4, 220-pound White gives him a huge weapon. White had 69 receptions for 886 yards and 11 TDs in 2010. Running back Austin Medley showed potential as a freshman a year ago, averaging more than five yards per carry. Tackle Antoine Lewis and linebacker Dillon Lucas, the CAA freshman defender of the year in 2011, key the defense.

TEMPLE (2011: 9-4, 5-3 MAC): The Owls finished coach Steve Addazio’s first season with four straight victories, including a 37-15 victory over Wyoming in the New Mexico Bowl. Quarterback Chris Coyer was that game’s offensive MVP and the Owls are looking for him to take another step forward. His main target should be Deon Miller, but he has been battling illness and his status is uncertain for the opener. Harris was dismissed by Boston College for violating team rules after receiving a medical redshirt. Temple will have to replace four starters on the offensive line. Five starters return on the defense, which allowed 13.9 points per game – third in the nation.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Temple has recorded 26 victories since 2009, more than any three-year stretch in its history.

2. Last year’s two wins were the least in Andy Talley’s 32 years of coaching – 27 at Villanova – after going 33-9 from 2008-10.

3. Temple has won 15 of its last 18 games at Lincoln Financial Field.

PREDICTION: Temple 24, Villanova 7