Blue White Roundtable :: Temple goes to 11

It's week three, and Penn State rests uncomfortably in the top five. With the running game M.I.A., the offensive line still figuring out that they're supposed to be better, and out strongest non-conference opponent blowing its opener to Villanova (!), Happy Valley welcomes the Temple Owls this week.

I have no frickin' clue who's participating this week, but here's my best guess:
W. F. Yurasko
Happy Hour Valley
The Nittany Line
We Want the Lion
Zombie Nation
Nittany Whiteout
Nittany Lounge
Penn State Clips

Blue White Roundtable - Week 3, Temple Owls

1. Temple lost over half of their offensive line and their starting QB from a team that didn’t have much of an offense anyway (107th in total offense in the country) do they have a realistic shot at moving the ball against Penn State’s defense?

The only way Temple scores points is via turnovers this week. And I wouldn't put it past the Owls to do just that. Penn State hasn't held onto the ball very well this season; both touchdowns scored against the Lions have come following turnovers.

That being said, points aren't yardage. So, no, Temple has no chance to move the ball this week. Villanova doesn't exactly have NFL talent along its defensive line, or in the linebackers. Unless Temple quarterback Vaughn Charlton is night-and-day better this Saturday, don't expect the Owls to cross the goal line... again.

2. Homework time! You’ll have to dig deep and be creative for this one: name something about this Temple team that scares you (ok scare may be a bit much… how about gives you pause).

The defensive line. Don't laugh. Syracuse's front gave Penn State problems. Akron's did, too. So, with some decent athletes on Temple's line, what's to make me think anything but trouble for Penn State?

Temple's defense logged 11 TFL and five sacks last week. I know, Penn State isn't Villanova. But if the defensive front wall is the Owls' strength, you better believe they're going to try to exploit that.

3. Temple lost to Villanova in week one on the last play of the game. If you’ll remember that also happened to Temple twice last season: bad luck or bad coaching?

This last loss, as bad as it was, was due to four offensive turnovers by Temple. Villanova had a plus-three turnover margin against the Owls last week, including a game-changing interception that led to the winning field goal.

Al Golden is a good coach. He's made Temple competitive, something no one has been able to do in 40 years. But he hasn't yet been able to teach this program how to win. Sure, they can score more points than the other team, but when stuck in close games, the Owls still manage to fall short and choke under pressure. Temple lost three games last year on the final play of the game, and one this season. That's the sure sign of a team that's still learning how to win.

Quick Hits

1. True or False: Penn State holds Temple under 200 yards of total offense? True.

2. True or False: Temple goes bowling this season? True.

3. On a scale of 1 to 10 with 1 being “totally sucked” and 10 being “awesomeness of epic levels” – how did the Michigan victory over Chuck Weis make you feel last week? Be honest!

I'll be shocked if no one else came up with this response...