SMU vs. Temple Prediction, Game Preview
SMU vs. Temple prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the matchup between the Mustangs and Owls.
SMU vs. Temple prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the matchup between the Mustangs and Owls.
SMU vs. Temple Game Preview
When: Saturday, October 1 – 12:00 p.m. ET
Where: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
TV Broadcast: ESPNEWS
The bad news for the Mustangs is that they are just 1-2 against FBS teams so far this season. The good news is that they could win this one in Philadelphia against Temple. Getting the ball to wide receiver Courtland Sutton will be a top priority for SMU.
The Owls are coming off a monster, 48-20 win over Charlotte just a week after a close loss to Penn State. Quarterback Phillip Walker has been decent, throwing for 846 yards and five touchdowns but also five interceptions.
What To Know About SMU
Find Sutton. That is the key to a successful Mustangs offense. The sophomore wide receiver has 18 catches for 449 yards and four touchdowns. Quarterback Ben Hicks needs to cut down on the mistakes, throwing for seven interceptions to two touchdowns.
SMU’s defense has been getting blasted for the amount of 449 yards per game so far this season. Defensive end Justin Lawler has been a force though, recording 22 tackles and 4.5 sacks.
What to Know About Temple
Walker has the ability to lead this offense to great things, but must keep the ball instead of turning it over. That will be difficult against a SMU defense that leads the nation with 10 interceptions. Running back Jahad Thomas must get going as well, as he as only rushed for 120 yards but does have four touchdowns. The Owls passing defense is solid, allowing only 146 yards per game and will look for some way to keep Sutton contained.
Advantages
Offense: Tie. Both teams have a knack for turning the ball over.
Defense: Temple. The Owls are only allowing 327 yards per game.
Special Teams: SMU. Kicker Josh Williams is 7-for-9 on field goal attempts.
Coaching: SMU. It is a process, but Chad Morris could be the man to rebuild the Mustangs into a contender.
Intangibles: Temple. They have all the momentum coming in after a big win last week.
Matchup To Watch
Courtland Sutton vs. Temple pass defense
Sutton is a stud, but the Owls don’t give up many passing yards.
SMU vs. Temple Betting Odds
Spread: Temple -12.5
Over/Under: 52
SMU vs. Temple Prediction
Temple is on the verge of being a good team, and the Owls can prove it once again with a win against an improved SMU team. Walker will have a huge game throwing the ball for the Owls, and the Temple pass defense will do just enough to slow down Sutton to keep the Mustangs from making this one a bad loss. The Owls get a big win.
SMU vs. Temple Score Prediction: Temple 31, SMU 21
