Time is now for Temple to get back on track

Temple is trying to find its swagger. Unfortunately for the Owls, that search couldn't be going on at a worse time.

After opening the season winning four of its first five games, Temple (4-3, 2-2 American Athletic Conference) has lost its last two by the combined score of 65-24. And if they are going to reverse their fortunes, they'll have to do so against a surging No. 21 East Carolina team (6-1, 3-0) Saturday at Lincoln Financial Field.

"We haven't played the way we want to play in the last two weeks," Temple coach Matt Rhule said. "We have to get back to who we are. We are a little bit rattled and our confidence is a little bit shaken."

For the Owls, singling out one side of the ball for blame is difficult. They have been outgained 905 yards to 539, picked up just 21 first downs while giving up 50, and converted just 5 of 24 third downs compared with 18 of 37 for their opponents.

"That's not our brand of football," Rhule said of the Owls, who gained 804 yards in back-to-back wins prior to their two-game skid. "We have to step back and realize that we're that team that just gained 500 yards on offense ourselves.

Temple's offense gained 497 yards against Tulsa in a 35-24 win on Oct. 11.

Bowl eligible for the eighth time in the last nine years, ECU had a more difficult time than expected last week in a 31-21 victory over UConn that wasn't as close as the score indicated. The Pirates racked up 580 yards and picked up 31 first downs compared with 397 and 16 for the Huskies.

Quarterback Shane Carden leads a fast-paced offense that ran 100 plays and gained 580 yards in the win. Carden had his fourth 400-yard passing game of the season and seventh of his career, passing for 477 yards and two touchdowns.

The Pirates lead the conference in passing offense (381.9), scoring offense (39.6) and total offense (566.9 yards per game). Their rushing defense is the stingiest in the conference, allowing just 101.3 yards per game.

The Owls have struggled in the passing game lately. However, teams have had some success throwing the ball against ECU. The Pirates' pass defense is ranked eighth in the conference and is allowing 267.3 yards per game.

It all adds up to a gigantic challenge for a Temple team that badly needs a win.

"It's the pivotal game in the season for us," Rhule said. "We're a team trying to figure out how to win all the time. You view this is a great opportunity. I think we're ready for the moment."

When: Saturday at noon

Where: Lincoln Financial Field.

Records: ECU (6-1, 3-0 American Athletic Conference, ranked No. 21); Temple (4-3, 2-2).

TV/Radio: ESPNews/97.5 FM The Fanatic

Coaches: ECU, Ruffin McNeill (5th season, 36-23); Temple, Matt Rhule (2d season, 6-13).

Series: ECU leads, 8-3. In the last meeting, ECU won, 32-22, on Oct. 21, 1995, at ECU.

Three Things to Watch

East Carolina ran 100 plays last week in a 31-21 victory over Connecticut. The Pirates will try to equal that number against a Temple defense that rotates defenders in and out.

The Owls' running attack was nonexistent last week, totaling just 32 yards against Central Florida. East Carolina's run defense is the staunchest in the conference, allowing just 101.3 yards rushing per game.

East Carolina has the top-rated passing offense (381.9 yards) in the conference. Quarterback Shane Carden will look to test Temple's young secondary all game long.

Three Things you Might Not Know

East Carolina has yet to allow an American Athletic Conference opponent to score in the fourth quarter this season. Temple has been shut out in the fourth quarter of its last two games.

East Carolina will be the 35th ranked team the Owls have faced at home. Temple has never beaten a ranked opponent at home. Temple's last win over a ranked opponent came in 1998, when they defeated No. 14 Virginia Tech, 28-24.

While Temple's defense has come back to earth in the last two weeks, the Owls' red zone defense remains stout. The Owls rank second nationally behind Mississippi State in red zone defense, allowing only 61.9 percent of red zone trips to turn into points. - John N. Mitchell

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@JmitchInquirer