CFN likes Temple by a TD...
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CFN MAC Predictions: SU: 71-21 ATS: 43-39
GAME OF THE WEEK
Ohio (7-3) at Temple (8-2) Nov. 16, 8:00, ESPN2
Here’s The Deal … It’s almost certainly the MAC East title game with the winner getting the right to face the best team in the league, Northern Illinois (most likely) in the MAC Championship. Last year, this game was supposed to be the moment when Temple arrived and made the grand turnaround complete, but Ohio, who quietly went about its business all year, dominated in a 35-17 win and went off to lose to Central Michigan. Now the Bobcats are looking for their third title appearance in five years thanks to a six-game winning streak including a victory over Miami University. With a win, Temple might still have a little work to do with Miami to close the regular season next Tuesday regular season in what would be the be-all-end-all battle for the MAC East if the RedHawks beat Akron, but Temple is the far better team and Ohio is the bigger test. On a four game winning streak since losing to NIU, dominating over the last three weeks with wins by a total score of 100-10, the Owls are ready.
Why Ohio Might Win: The run defense has been special. Star linebacker Noah Keller has been out for weeks, but the run defense keeps on producing allowing just 72 yards to Akron, 11 to Miami, and keeping Louisiana-Lafayette to 73. No one since Wofford in the opener, who doesn’t throw and didn’t attempt a pass, has rushed for more than 166 yards as the Bobcat defensive front has been dominant. Great at getting to the backfield and good at getting to the quarterback, Ohio should be able to keep the Temple ground game in check before it can get rolling. The Owls are at their best when Bernard Pierce and Matt Brown get into a groove, and they might not find one this week. However …
Why Temple Might Win: … the Ohio secondary has been a different story. While the stats are decent, the teams that have wanted to throw on the Bobcats haven’t had too many problems. The Ragin’ Cajun running game got stuffed, but the passing attack bombed away for almost 400 yards. Miami’s Zac Dysert threw four picks, but he also threw for 332 yards. Ohio has given up 200 passing yards or more against everyone but Wofford, Toledo, and Buffalo, and it’s catching Temple just when the passing attack is finding itself. Mike Gerardi threw two interceptions against Kent State, but he completed 21-of-29 passes for 368 yards and two touchdowns. Ohio will have to worry about the passing game a little bit, and the Temple offensive line should have some success paving the way on the ground.
What To Watch Out For: Ohio has some major issues in its biggest game of the season. Starting quarterback Boo Jackson suffered a concussion after getting involved in a fight outside of a campus bar. While he appears to be fine, and he isn’t being disciplined, he might not be 100% and he has had a major distraction to deal with. The return of Phil Bates from injury has helped the Ohio offense, and gives the attack a dangerous option under center, but this is Jackson’s game and Jackson’s team. He has thrown 13 interceptions on the year, but he has thrown five touchdown passes in the last two games and has managed to pull off wins. He’s the veteran who has to play like it.
What Will Happen: The Temple defense will be swarming. This is the game the program has been waiting more than a decade for, and unlike last year, this team is ready to pounce. A balanced offensive effort and inspired play from the lines will allow the Owls to control the game throughout, and three interceptions of Jackson will help set up next week’s showdown with Miami for the East title.
CFN Prediction: Temple 27 … Ohio 20 … Line: Temple -7.5
Must See Rating: Casino Jack – 5 … Avatar: Extended Collector’s Edition -1 … 3.5