The first week of the college football season continues with the Penn State Nittany Lions traveling to face the Temple Owls Saturday. Penn State is looking to improve on its 7-6 record from last season, while Temple is eyeing a bowl game. Both teams want to get their seasons off to a strong start with a victory.
Last Meeting:
Penn State won 30-13 in 2014 in Happy Valley.
Penn State Outlook:
Penn State has talent with QB Christian Hackenberg, running back Akeel Lynch and WR DaeSean Hamilton. However, the offensive line was a disaster last season. Hackenberg has the talent to be a high NFL draft pick, but needs more protection from his line. If that doesn't happen, Penn State is in trouble. DT Anthony Zettel leads one of the best defenses in the Big 10.
Temple Outlook:
Temple's defense should be great this season. All 11 starters return on a unit that ranked in the Top 25 in pretty much every category. The offense, however, isn't as loaded. P.J. Walker is the QB, and he needs to cut down on his turnovers this season. He threw 15 interceptions against 13 TDs last year. The offensive line is full of veterans and should be solid this season.
What To Watch For: Temple DL vs. Penn State OL
Games are won in the trenches, and this should be true in this contest. Penn State's offensive line must improve from last year if the Nittany Lions want to have success this season. They have a tough challenge in Temple, a defense that is underrated nationally. How this matchup unfolds should give us a hint of how these teams will look all season.
Prediction: Penn State wins 20-13
This won't be a pretty game, as the defenses will dominate. Penn State's offensive line will struggle, although they'll look better than they did last season. Temple's offense isn't going to be very good this season, and it will be the Owls' undoing in this one.
Follow our NCAA page for all the latest college football news and rumors!
Back to the NCAA Newsfeed