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Temple vs. Villanova: A prediction

Villanova gave Temple all it could handle last year in the Owls' 16-13 win.

Villanova quarterback Zach Bednarczyk gets sacked against (l-r) Temple defensive lineman Dan Archibong, defensive lineman DeAndre Kelly and defensive lineman Quincy Roche during the second-quarter on Saturday, September 9, 2017 in Philadelphia.
Villanova quarterback Zach Bednarczyk gets sacked against (l-r) Temple defensive lineman Dan Archibong, defensive lineman DeAndre Kelly and defensive lineman Quincy Roche during the second-quarter on Saturday, September 9, 2017 in Philadelphia.Read moreYONG KIM / Staff Photographer
    by Marc Narducci | Columnist
    Published 

Temple's football team escaped last season with a 16-13 win over Villanova for coach Geoff Collins' first victory. The Owls allowed Zach Bednarczyk to throw for 382 yards, one TD and no interceptions. Bednarczyk is back, and if Temple doesn't contain him any better, than Villanova will be extremely dangerous. The Wildcats averaged 0.7 yards per rush in last year's matchup, so that was why Bednarczyk attempted 41 passes.

Temple has more secondary depth, but must prove it can get heat on Bednarczyk.

Frank Nutile, who didn't play in last year's game, will make his first opening-day start at quarterback for Temple. Nutile went 4-2 as a starter after taking over last season, and the Owls look to carry on the momentum. Temple averaged only 2.9 yards per carry last year against Villanova, and will have to do better, but all signs point to the Owls' coming out and making a good opening-day showing.

Prediction: Temple 24, Villanova 14.