Now the Nittany Lions look to start up a new winning streak against Temple – both overall and in the series. The Owls’ 27-10 victory last season snapped a 40-game skid against Penn State that spanned 74 years. Temple went on to win 10 games in 2015, but it’s already lost to Army this season and wasn’t tested in last week’s win over Stony Brook.

What To Know About Penn State

The offensive line needs to step up. McSorely has his own issues with holding onto the football too long under pressure – or not at all given that he lost two of his four fumbles against Pitt – but he’s going to need some help. Barkley is one of the nation’s most dynamic running backs and shouldn’t have to do it all on his own. He still had solid numbers, but that was mostly due to his elusiveness. Defensively, the NIttany Lions knew they’d be facing a ground-heavy attack and still allowed 341 rushing yards. They’ll have to play better in that aspect considering Temple has gotten weak play from its quarterback and could stick to the run.

What to Know About Temple

Phillip Walker is off to a rough start. The senior has completed 46.9 percent of his passes and tossed three interceptions in a 28-13 loss to Army on Sept. 2. Walker tossed three touchdowns in last week’s 38-0 rout of Stony Brook, but he threw another pick and finished 11 of 23. Ryquell Armstead is Temple’s main ball carrier with 30 rushes for 125 yards over the two games and hasn’t shown he can be the catalyst for the offense. The Owls should know they can run against Penn State, but it’s just a matter if they have the ability to be successful doing it.

Advantages

Offense: Penn State – Barkley will have a big day and help the Nittany Lions cut down on last week’s four turnovers.

Defense: Penn State – The talent is there, it’s just a matter of putting it together for 60 minutes

Special Teams: Penn State – Temple should be punting plenty, and John Reid is a threat to return one.

Coaching: Even – Matt Rhule was born in State College and played linebacker at Penn State from 1994-97. He’s in his first head coaching job and has done well turning around Temple, although this might be a down year.

Intangibles: Penn State – The Nittany Lions simply have more playmakers who can blow the game open.

Matchup To Watch

Barkley vs. Temple’s run defense

The Owls held Stony Brook to 49 yards on the ground last week. But that’s Stony Brook, not a player like Barkley who is capable of busting through any offensive line in the country.

Penn State vs. Temple Betting Odds

Spread: Penn State -8 1/2

Over/Under: 49 1/2

Penn State vs. Temple Prediction

Barkley rushing for 125 yards and three touchdowns and Walker throws three interceptions that squash any hope of a Temple comeback after Penn State jumps ahead early.

Penn State vs. Temple Score Prediction: Penn State 38, Temple 20

MORE: 1-128 College Football Rankings – Week 3