Temple vs. Connecticut Prediction, Game Preview


The Temple Owls (9-2) have one final hurdle, the surging Connecticut Huskies (6-5), to winning the American East Division. Check out the Temple vs. Connecticut prediction and game preview.

Temple vs. Connecticut Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, November 28
Game Time: 7:00 ET
Network: ESPNU

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Why You Need To Care

It’s taken longer than anticipated, but Temple is finally on the precipice of capturing the East Division and playing the Navy-Houston winner for the American championship. The Owls are coming off a crucial win over Memphis, 31-12, that helped maintain a one-game lead over South Florida. But standing in the way is rising UConn, which is coming off the biggest win of the brief Bob Diaco era. The Huskies ended Houston’s perfect season last weekend to become bowl eligible, and another statement win in Philadelphia would provide a big boost to Diaco’s Northeast recruiting efforts.

Why Connecticut Will Win

The Huskies are on a tear, winning three straight, including the shocker over the Cougars. And like this week’s opponent, Connecticut is thriving with defense. The team has allowed 11 points per game during the three-game streak, winning at every level of the D. Plus, Temple’s inconsistent passing game will have major problems with CB Jamar Summers, S Andrew Adams and the rest of a UConn secondary that leads the league in pass defense and is sixth nationally in picks.

Why Temple Will Win

True, Connecticut has been nasty on D, but can it score on an Owl unit that’s even stingier than its own? Led by LB Tyler Matakevich and DT Matt Ioannidis, Temple reflexed its muscles last week, holding Memphis to its lowest output of the season. And while Walker and RB Jahad Thomas have helped fuel a 32-point offense, the Huskies average just 19 points a game and 5.1 yards per play.

Player Who Matters

If the Huskies have any hopes for a second straight huge upset, it’ll need an unusually good effort from a shaky O-line that’s yielded 32 sacks and 80 tackles for loss. Arkeel Newsome is a solid back and QB Bryant Shirreffs will scramble, but Connecticut averages 3.6 yards per carry because of an inability to win at the point of attack. And few teams this season have beaten Temple at the line of scrimmage.

What’s Going To Happen?

While Connecticut has been a really good story in November, the run ends this week in Philly. Temple has been terrific at the Linc, losing only to Notre Dame by four points, and the Huskies will not put a dent in the Owl defense. With just enough from Walker and Thomas, Temple will punch its ticket to the league title game.

Temple vs. Connecticut Prediction

Final Score: Temple 27, Connecticut 14, Line: Temple -12, o/u: 43.5
Must See Rating: 5: Creed – 1: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade … 2.5

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