Villanova at Temple preview

When: Today, 5 o'clock

Where: Lincoln Financial Field

TV: None

Radio: ESPN (950-AM) and WHAT (1340-AM)

History: Villanova leads the series, 16-12-2, including last year's 27-24 victory

Villanova update: Wildcats have a whole bunch back from the team that went 14-1 and won the FCS national title . . . WR Matt Szczur is a leading Walter Payton Award candidate . . . Ben Ijalana might be the top offensive lineman prospect at this level . . . LB Terence Thomas is the CAA's preseason Defensive Player of the Year . . . QB Chris Whitney, who had a big second half against the Owls last year, makes things happen on the ground and through the air . . . Nick Yako hit 12 of 16 field goals as a freshman . . . Next Saturday the 'Cats are at Lehigh.

Temple update: Owls also return just about everyone from a 9-4 squad . . . RB Bernard Pierce is coming off a record-setting, albeit injury-shortened, first season. Yet, he's second on the depth chart behind fellow sophomore Matt Brown. If they both stay healthy, few teams will have a better combo . . . The offensive line was the team's MVP a year ago, and could be again . . . The defensive front seven looks formidable . . . Brandon McManus made 17 of 24 field goals as a freshman . . . The Owls open their MAC season next Thursday night against defending champ Central Michigan.