The Temple Owls bring a 5-2 record into today's contest with the 3-4 Bowling Green Falcons, who are in the midst of a three-game losing streak.
On paper, this is a terrible match-up for Bowling Green. The Falcons have one of the worst run defenses in the College Football, allowing an average of 194 yards per game on 5.2 yards per carry. Meanwhile, Temple has the eighth-best rushing attack in the country, averaging 257 yards per game on 5 yards per carry.
Temple is coming off two straight wins where they've outscored opponents by a combined score of 76-0, in which they racked up a total of 750 rushing yards. Both Owl running backs – Bernard Pierce and Matt Brown – rushed for over 100 yards each in both blowout victories.
Bowling Green's defense has allowed 351 and 268 rushing yards in their past two games.
The Owls are a two touchdown favorite (-14) as kickoff approaches, despite playing a Conference game on the road . All signs point to an easy victory, but the coaches at Temple are warning their football team not to underestimate their opponent.
The Owls coaching staff has been preaching that there are fragile moments for any program throughout the season, and that overlooking any opponent could be dangerous.
"There are points in the season that are pretty critical points that sometimes can go one way or go the other," Addazio said.
Keith Pompey of the Inquirer gives his "things to watch", two of which may favor the Falcons.
Who will win the special teams battle? Bowling Green has the MAC's best punter in Brian Schmiedebusch. Temple is second in the conference in punt returns.
Will Temple be able to contain wideout Kamar Jorden? The Penn Wood product caught 12 passes for 143 yards last season against the Owls.
At 5-2 overall and 3-1 in the conference the Owls are the clear favorites to win MAC East title. Next week they play their final road game of the season at Ohio, then finish up with three home games against Miami (OH), Army and Kent State.
Saturday's game will be televised on ESPN3.com at 3:30 EST.
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