Temple looks for 6th win in home finale vs. Cincinnati
After two weeks without a game, Temple returns to play the first of its final two games Saturday in an attempt to become eligible for a bowl.
After two weeks without a game, Temple returns to play the first of its final two games Saturday in an attempt to become eligible for a bowl.
"It's an outstanding opportunity for us," Temple coach Matt Rhule said. "The goal has been to become bowl-eligible, and this is what's in front of us."
Temple (5-5, 3-3 American Athletic Conference) faces surging Cincinnati (7-3, 5-1) in the final home game of the season.
The Bearcats opened the season with a pair of victories followed by three losses - to Ohio State, AAC-leading Memphis, and Miami.
Since those losses, though, the offense has come alive. The Bearcats lead the conference in scoring (37.3 points) and are second (473.8 yards per game) in total offense. They have won their last five games by an average of 25.6 points. And during that time, their conference-leading offense has averaged 41.6 points per game.
Quarterback Gunner Kiel, the highly regarded Notre Dame transfer, has grown comfortable as the starter. After a year on the scout team, Kiel leads the conference with 27 touchdown passes.
While Kiel has received the most attention, the Bearcats have demonstrated that they can run the ball when needed. Last week, in a 41-0 win over Connecticut, the Bearcats rushed for 249 yards.
Rhule said that the offensive line is the key to Cincinnati's attack.
"We're going to have to get pressure on their quarterbacks and we have to stop the running game," Rhule said. "And we can't give up big plays downfield."
"I think they are ready to go and compete in these last two games," Rhule said.
Cincinnati at Temple
When: Saturday at noon
Where: Lincoln Financial Field.
Records: Cincinnati (7-3, 5-1 American Athletic Conference; Temple (5-5, 3-3)
TV: ESPNEWS; Radio:WPEN –FM (97.5)
Coaches: Cincinnati, Tommy Tuberville (2d season, 16-7, overall 146-84), Temple, Matt Rhule (2d season, 7-15).
Series: Temple leads the series, 9-6-1. In the last meeting, Cincinnati won, 38-20, at Cincinnati, on Oct. 11, 2013.
Things to Watch
The Owls' offensive line looks to be as healthy as it's going to be and could have its five starters together for the first time since the Tulsa game (Oct. 11). Cincinnati (27 sacks) is good at pressuring quarterback.
Bearcats QB Gunner Kiel is very efficient. While East Carolina's Shane Carden has passed for an AAC-leading 3,574 yards compared with Kiel's 2,646, Kiel leads the conference with 27 TD passes and a 153.5 rating.
Things You Might Not Know
One thing Temple's offensive line has done better than last season is pass-protect. The line has given up just 17 sacks compared with 32 in 2013.
Temple has eight seniors, the least of any Football Bowl Subdivision school. Playing their last home games for the Owls will be WR Jalen Fitzpatrick, RB Kenneth Harper, DL Obi Onejeme, TE Wanemi Omuso, WR Brett Pierce, QB Conner Reilly, DB Anthony Robey, and FB Marc Tyson. - John N. Mitchell
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