Last week we won easily on Temple over Penn State as they almost ended their losing streak vs. the Nittany Lions. Both teams come into this game hoping to rebound from emotional losses as Maryland lost to West Virginia. Temple's defense has been outstanding just 284 yards allowed per game and 8ppg. They even shut down a Penn State offense that although has not been doing much is still very talented up front. Temple's very under rated and their defense is real, aggressive and fast and athletic enough to give Maryland fits. Sophmore QB O'brien has had a lot of hype, but so far he has 2 TD to 4 INT so I'm not that impressed just yet despite all the yards he's thrown for.
Both teams will come out and try to establish the run which will shorten the game. Temple's massive offensive line should have an advantage vs. Marylands speed and athleticism in the power running game. Maryland has yet to face a team that likes to play physical and likes to pound the ball so this could be a different type of game for them. Maryland has been unable to get a pass rush so I expect Temple to be better than week's past in the passing game especially when they have talent at receiver and an NFL talent at TE in Evan Rodriguez. Maryland's offensive ranks have more to do with tempo and less to do with their actual talent they've had too many penalties and turnovers for me to back them or to be 9 point favorites off an emotional loss. Adrian Robinson was in the backfield vs. Penn State all game long and that should not change vs. Maryland.
