I find it hard to believe that Miami will beat Temple without Dyesert. A lacerated spleen sounds like it would hurt a lot. I'll be rooting against Miami (notice I didn't say for Temple) just in case. If Ohio brings the same intensity, it should beat Kent State, but the Golden Flashes potentially could be playing to be bowl eligible, which could be pretty good incentive. Their defense is tough. I still think Ohio is much better, but not so much better that it's a given to win, especially on the road.
I was much more impressed with Temple's Girardi than with Fiami's Boucher, but Girardi has had four games' experience as the starter and Boucher was starting his first. And if Pierce can't play for Temple, they could have problems scoring. If Golden rides his team this week like they were speculating on ESPN, then Temple should take it.
As for incentive, the Cats have a bunch as well. If Temple wins, OU will be playing for the OUTRIGHT MAC East title. (Another t-shirt there? OUtright begins with OU?) That beats a three-way share of the title, even with the tiebreakers. And the Cats will be looking to have a W against every MAC East team. And having an eight-game winning streak going into the championship game is great momentum.
If the O line and the D line blow off the ball like they did Tuesday night, they'll be able to take care of business.