Owls must avoid a letdown vs. Toledo

Temple's biggest test this season could come Saturday.

The Owls will host Toledo in a game where they can show whether last week's crushing win over Maryland was legitimate.

Destroying the Terrapins was historic and great for the Owls (3-1, 1-0 MAC). But a win over the Rockets (1-3, 0-0) in a Mid-American Conference matchup at Lincoln Financial Field could make it clear that this Owls team is no fluke.

"We need to humble ourselves from that victory last week," Temple quarterback Chester Stewart said, "and just stay hungry, understand that this team is going to come ready to swing, and that this is going to be a good game."

Toledo, a preseason MAC favorite, has played one of the toughest nonconference schedules in the nation, losing three games to teams with a combined record of 9-2.

The Rockets lost a close one at traditional power Ohio State, kept it close with explosive No. 4 Boise State for a half, and had a good chance to beat Syracuse in the Carrier Dome.

In last Saturday's controversial 33-30, overtime setback to the Orange, Syracuse appeared to miss an extra-point attempt with 2 minutes, 7 seconds remaining. That would have left Toledo trailing, 29-27, with time to kick a winning field goal. But officials on the field ruled the kick good and the Orange led 30-27. Replay officials confirmed the ruling.

After Toledo kicked the tying field goal, Syracuse won it with a field goal in overtime.

"We are going to get a very motivated, competitive, angry, if you will, football team coming into Philadelphia," Temple coach Steve Addazio said. "But more importantly, they are talented."

The Rockets have the type of talent where it could be argued that they - not Temple - deserve future Big East Conference consideration.

In addition to being picked to win the MAC's West division, Toledo is favored to win the overall conference championship.

Temple, however, was picked to finish third behind Miami of Ohio and Ohio University in the East.

A win against the conference favorite would go a long way in proving preseason prognosticators wrong.

It would also ensure that Temple stays in Big East expansion conversations for a while.

The Owls are expected to beat their next three opponents - Ball State, Buffalo and Bowling Green - after Saturday's game.

"We understand that this game is just as important" as last Saturday's game, Temple linebacker Stephen Johnson. "The Maryland game is over, now. So now, we are focused on Toledo."

Notes. The Owls snapped a four-game losing streak to Toledo by winning, 40-24, in their last meeting in 2009, as Temple tailback Bernard Pierce rushed for 212 yards and three touchdowns.