Preview: Temple at No. 5/t5 Penn State

Kickoff/TV: Sat., Sept. 19, 12 p.m. ET/Big Ten Network (Ari Wolfe, Anthony Herron and Kenny Jackson)
Weather Forecast: Mild, clear.
Series Record: Penn State leads Temple, 34-3-1

Host: Penn State Nittany Lions
Record: 2-0 (0-0 Big Ten)
Last Game: Won vs Syracuse, 28-7
Injuries: LB Navorro Bowman (Groin - Questionable), DT Brandon Ware (Ankle - Out), DB Jacob Fagnano (Ankle - Out), DE Pete Massaro (ACL - Out Ssn), LB Mike Mauti (ACL - Out Ssn)
Key Players: (offense) QB Daryll Clark, RB Evan Royster, WR Derek Moye; (defense) DL Jared Odrick, LB Sean Lee, LB Navorro Bowman
Head Coach: Joe Paterno, 44th season at Penn State, 385-127-3; 23-11 bowl record
Season Statistics:
Offense - 107.0 rush/309.5 pass/29.5.0 points per game
Defense - 46.5 rush/146.5 pass/7.0 points per game
TO Margin - (-2)/(-1) per game

Penn State, on paper -- The Nittany Lions' run game, or lack thereof, has become the dominant issue the last two weeks. Coupled with the probable shifts in the offensive line this week, all eyes will be keyed in on how the ground game improves, if at all. I wouldn't be surprised to see real unrest begin to set in with Joe Paterno if the Lions fail to top 100 rush yards against Temple. So far, he's downplayed it, as any head coach should.

Then again, Paterno also said this week that as long as Penn State continues to win games, he's fine with passing more than running. That's good, considering Penn State boasts one of the most efficient pass attacks in the conference. QB Daryll Clark has been on fire, even with the new set of receivers, throwing for 300 yards per game, with a 6-2 ratio and 70 percent completion percentage. But should Penn State take a comfortable lead against Temple, look for a concerted effort to work out the run game with Evan Royster and Stephfon Green, as both have struggled mightily behind a shaky line and defenses stacked to stop them.

Defensively, Penn State has been nothing less than dominant. Both touchdowns allowed this season by the defense have followed turnovers by the Lions' offense, while the unit is giving up less than 200 yards per game. Paterno said this week he wants to see more turnovers generated by the defense, so we might see some more stripping and interception attempts against Temple.

Visitor: Temple Owls
Record: 0-1 (0-0, MAC)
Last Game: Lost vs Villanova (FCS), 27-24
Injuries: The Owls don’t announce most injury information, but no one was seen leaving the game for any physical reason.
Key Players: (offense) QB Vaughn Charlton, WR Michael Campbell, RB Kee-Ayre Griffin ; (defense) LB Amara Kamara, NT Andre Neblett, LB Alex Joseph
Head Coach: Al Golden, 4th season at TU, 10-27; 0-0 bowl record; 0-3 vs Penn State
Season Statistics:
Offense - 139.0 rush/317.0 pass/24.0 points per game
Defense - 64.0 rush/293.0 pass/27.0 points per game
TO Margin - (-4)/(-4) per game

Temple, on paper -- The Owls just can't catch a break, losing yet another game on the final play. Three times in 2008 Temple lost on the final play of the game. The upset loss last week to Villanova was mainly due to a bad case of turnovers (minus-4), but Temple did dominate in most other facets of the game. So, it's important for opponents to not underestimate this Owls team, as it's still probably the best team Temple's fielded in more than a decade.

QB Vaughn Charlton's fantastic game was marred by his three interceptions, including one that led to Nova's game-winning field goal. He was able to hook up with a good number of different receivers, including Michael Campbell, who hauled in five for 93 yards and a score. But the pass game isn't the only weapon on the Temple offense. RB Kee-Ayre Griffin carried the rock 21 times for 70 yards and a score last week, but probably more worrisome to the Penn State coaching staff, he also took a kickoff back 54 yards against Villanova. Paterno said this week he was very disappointed and concerned with the Lions' kickoff coverage the last two weeks.

On the defensive side, Temple is loaded with playmakers, even with the loss of DE Junior Galette (10 sacks in '07), who transferred this off season for disciplinary issues. Against Villanova, Temple logged five sacks and 11 TFL. S Dominique Harris has been a force in the Owls defensive backfield for years, while LB Amara Kamara led the team in tackles last week, nine of which were solo stops. Don't be shocked if Temple follows Penn State's first two opponents' lead, and stacks the box against the run with these two. And keep an eye on NT Andre Neblett up the middle of that defense.

On the field -- Penn State will beat Temple. But by how much the Owls are beaten is basically up to Al Golden's crew. If Temple turns the ball over like they did last week, this will be another laugher in Happy Valley. But if the Owls can hold on to the ball, and keep the Lions' offense off the field as much as possible, this could be another uncomfortable win for Penn State. The series hasn't exactly been competitive recently, with Penn State outscoring Temple 123-3 the last three outings. The field should be drier than it was for the Syracuse game, so it'll be a fast track for both teams, but I'll give an edge to Penn State for overall team speed. Penn State should be able to get those turnovers Paterno wants, mainly by forcing Charlton to throw before he wants to, and this game will be decided no later than the mid-third quarter.

Extra points -- Continuing its corny themed game days, Penn State declared this weekend "Favorite Jersey Day"... Beaver Stadium will once again fail to fill out completely, even with the extra fans from Philadelphia... Evan Royster will finally top 100 yards... Daryll Clark won't throw an interception... The defensive line will force at least two turnovers on its own, and log at least two sacks... A starting defensive back will pick off a pass... Temple won't score a touchdown for the third straight year... If Josh Hull's mustache hasn't become legend already, it will be by this weekend... Attendance: 106,900

Prediction: No. 5/t5 Penn State, 41 - Temple, 6