Preview, Game 4: No. 15 Penn State vs Temple

Kickoff: Sat., Sept. 20. 12:00 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network

Weather Forecast: Mid 70s, Mostly Sunny.

Host: Penn State Nittany Lions
Record: 3-0 (0-0, Big Ten)
Last Game: Won at Syracuse, 55-13
Injuries: DE Maurice Evans (suspension - out game), DT Abe Koroma (suspension - out game), Jerome Hayes (ACL - out season), LB Sean Lee (ACL - out season), DE Devon Still (ankle - out season), S Nick Sukay (foot - out season), T Ako Poti (knee - possible), DL Mike Lucian (ankle - probable)
Key Players: (offense) WR Derrick Williams, QBs Daryll Clark; (defense) Saf. Anthony Scirrotto, DT Jared Odrick
Head Coach: Joe Paterno, 43rd season, 375-125-3
Season Statistics:
Offense - 263 rush/273 pass/55.3 points per game
Defense - 64.3 rush/186 pass/12.3 points per game
TO Margin - (+2)

Why PSU will win -- It’s the offense, stupid: No Penn State offense since the 1920s has scored more points (166) in the first three games. Daryll Clark is the Big Ten pass efficiency leader, and Evan Royster is leading all starting RBs in YPC (8.1). Even though Temple’s defense is the strength of that team, it will have just as much trouble stopping PSU as the previous three opponents. And if PSU didn’t play tight last week at Syracuse, expect more wide-open play calling at Beaver Stadium this week. Defensive Line: What?! Yes, with all the injuries, suspensions and distractions, the line play has been lost in the shuffle. Penn State figured there would be some drop-off in run defense, but not so. What many forgot was that Penn State has loaded up on the D-line in recent recruiting, and now it’s paying off. DE Aaron Maybin leads PSU in sacks (4), and Jared Odrick has been a monster inside. With the leadership displayed by Josh Gaines so far, and the younger players getting a lot more playing time, this line has turned into the strength of the defense.

Visitor: Temple Owls
Record: 1-2 (0-1 MAC)
Last Game: Lost at Buffalo 30-28
Injuries: N/A (I know that a few players will be held out this week, but it's been tough to find the injury report for TU. I'm still trying though.)
Key Players: (offense) QB Adam DeMichele, WR Bruce Francis; (defense) DL Andre Neblett, CB Jamal Schulters
Head Coach: Al Golden, 3rd season, 5-19
Season Statistics:
Offense - 105.3 rush/207 pass/24 points per game
Defense - 201.3 rush/169.3 pass/16.3 points per game
TO Margin - (+2)

Why Temple will win -- The coaching staff: Al Golden and Mark D’Onofrio are two of the hottest names in coaching. No, they might not be Urban Meyer or Bronco Mendenhall. But there’s no doubt that Temple has a new attitude under this staff, and the talent is following right behind. I’m not sure Golden can get his team over a mountain like Penn State, but remember the 2007 edition of this game was much closer than the 31-0 final. Experience: Temple is actually more experienced than Penn State, returning all 22 starters from last season. Some of them have moved positions, but all came back. Adam DiMichele is an underrated runner at QB, and has grown into his role as the team’s field general. Penn State’s pass defense has been very suspect so far. DiMichele has to get some passes going to Bruce Francis, especially if Temple wants to open up any running room.

What will happen: I keep thinking PSU is due for a closer-than-expected game this season, but it just hasn’t happened. Temple’s offense just isn’t up to speed, and may have a lot of trouble moving the ball in a hostile environment. Joe Paterno won’t want to risk any injuries the week before Illinois comes to town, so if there’s an early big lead against Temple, the starters won’t go back in. It also wouldn’t surprise me to see PSU score another 35 first-half points (35 FH pts in first 3 gms), in order to get the starters out. Against a stingier Temple defense, we might see PSU’s first interception, and I’m calling for TU to hold PSU under its 55.3 ppg season average.

Prediction: No. 15 Penn State, 49 - Temple, 9