Temple @ Pittsburgh preview

Both teams are standing at the crossroads of the season as Temple visits Pittsburgh on Saturday for a Big East battle. Pittsburgh played unbeaten Louisville tough Oct. 13 before losing and upset Virginia Tech earlier, but the Panthers are below .500 overall and 0-3 in the league for the first time since 2001. Temple must rebound from allowing 35 unanswered points in the second half against Rutgers a week ago and stay on track for bowl eligibility. The Panthers have decent numbers on both sides of the ball, led by accurate senior quarterback Tino Sunseri. Pittsburgh has struggled in the red zone on offense. The Owls are fifth-worst in the nation in passing offense, so they will lean on their running game and look for improved play from versatile quarterback Chris Coyer.

TV: 12 p.m. ET, Big East Network, ESPN3.com. LINE: Pittsburgh -6.5

ABOUT TEMPLE (3-3, 2-1 Big East): Coyer is not a passing quarterback, but the Owls will need him to complete more than 53 percent of his passes in the second half of the season to reach their goals. Backup Clinton Granger could get a chance if he doesn’t. Boston College transfer Montel Harris has 356 yards rushing in the last three games for the Owls. Matt Brown, who has rushed for 2,536 yards in his career, was limited to kick returns last week because of an ankle injury and could contribute more against the Panthers. Temple’s defense has recorded 17 sacks and 13 takeaways.

ABOUT PITTSBURGH (3-4, 0-3): The Panthers were forced to use their running game more in poor weather conditions last week in a 20-6 victory over Buffalo. Senior Ray Graham and freshman Rushel Shell didn’t put up big yardage, but it was more than the previous two weeks combined. A more productive running game could help improve a red zone offense which has scored only 18 touchdowns and five field goals in 30 chances. Sunseri is 16th in the nation in passing efficiency, averaging almost 270 yards. Defensive back Jason Hendricks leads Pittsburgh in tackles (48) and interceptions (4).

EXTRA POINTS

1. Pittsburgh has won the last six meetings with Temple, 11 of 14 in Big East play, and leads the series 26-8-1 overall.

2. Temple can win its third game in a Big East season for only the second time (1997 was the other).

3. Pittsburgh’s Mike Shanahan has 128 career receptions, five from a tie for fifth on the school’s all-time list.

PREDICTION: Pittsburgh 24, Temple 13