Temple Topics: Owls to be tested by tough Connecticut Huskies defense

There's a lot of pride floating around North Broad after Temple won its first Big East game since being kicked out of the league eight years ago.

But the Owls (2-2, 1-0 Big East) must elevate their play in order to beat Connecticut in Saturday's 1 p.m. conference game at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Conn.

The Huskies (3-3, 0-1) boast one the nation's top defenses. So don't expect Temple running back Montel Harris to run wild like he did last week against the Bulls.

To balance things out, the Owls defense needs to dominate what has been a struggling Huskies offense. Forcing turnovers and excelling on special teams are also the blueprints for a Temple victory.

Remember Temple coach Steve Addazio raving about Maryland's and Penn State's defenses?

Well, he's doing the same thing about the Huskies.

Allowing just 248.8 yards per game, Connecticut ranks sixth nationally in total defense. The Huskies are eighth in rushing defense (82.3 yards per game), 11th in passing defense (166.5) and 15th in pass efficiency defense (103.66 rating).

Inside linebacker Yawin Smallwood leads the conference in tackles (62) and tackles for losses (11) and is third in sacks (four). Defensive end Trevardo Williams has the most sacks in the conference with 61/2.

"We've got our hands full," Addazio said.

Temple likes to run first and run often.

But against a strong run defense like UConn's, it can lead to plenty of third-and-long situations. And Temple converts just 35.7 percent of its third downs.

The Owls must pass on early downs to keep UConn from packing eight defenders in the box. It worked last week against South Florida when they threw the ball on early downs.

A prime example was their second series, where quarterback Chris Coyer completed 12- and 14-yard passes to running back Matt Brown on the first two plays. That opened things up for Harris, who had compiled 15 rushing yards on the next three plays. Then Coyer capped the drive on the ensuing play with a 24-yard score.

Don't get it twisted. Temple won't produce points by simply throwing on early downs.

Coyer needs to make quicker decisions and be more accurate.

Of course, that sounds crazy, considering he completed 16 of 20 passes against South Florida. But there were times when he could have released the ball sooner. He needs to get the ball out sooner against the Huskies.

Word out of Edberg-Olson Hall is that Matt Brown (left ankle) is expected to play. That's a good thing if he's fully healthy. The Owls will need the senior's big-play potential on offense and special teams.

Brown averages a team-best 5.8 yards per carry and ranks third nationally in punt returns (20.2 yards per return).

Temple's defense must do a better job of eliminating long drives. South Florida moved the ball with ease.

The Bulls' last three scoring drives went for at least 75 yards. The last drive, which closed the gap to 30-28, went seven plays for 75 yards and took 2 minutes, 10 seconds.

Temple freshman linebacker Tyler Matakevich made a career-high 15 tackles. But a lot of the Owls' tackles were downfield.

As good as Connecticut's defense is, the Huskies offense is equally as bad.

UConn is ranked 112th out of the nation's 120 programs in rushing offense (102.2 ypg.).

The Huskies are also 103d in pass efficiency (115.96 rating) and 110th in both total offense (310.5 ypg.) and scoring offense (19.8 points per game).

Quarterback Chan Whitmer has thrown 10 interceptions, and UConn has lost five fumbles.

Temple senior Brandon McManus has made 7 of 9 field-goal attempts with a season-best 50 yarder. His average of 45.8 yards per punt ranks 11th nationally.

Meanwhile, UConn's Cole Wagner has pinned 15 of his 36 punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line. He's averaging 39.3 yards per punt. Huskies kicker Chad Christen has converted 7 of 10 field goals, with his longest coming from 47 yards out.

Steve Addazio previews Temple's game against UConn in "Owls Insider," hosted by Keith Pompey, at philly.com/owlsinsider2012

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