College Game Preview: Memphis vs. Temple
Nobody outside of maybe the most die-hard fans of the Memphis Tigers and Temple Owls envisioned the season these two teams would have. Both of these teams come in at 8-2 and have their eyes set on a potential New Years bowl bid which would do wonders to these programs. Temple sits atop the AAC East standings while Memphis is in third place behind Houston and Navy. The Quarterbacks, just like in almost any match up will be the focal point in this game. Memphis Quarterback Paxton Lynch is one of the most heralded NFL prospects while Temple QB PJ Walker is looking to make a name for himself as he tries to end off a solid year with a string of good games.
Game Details
Date: Saturday, November 21, 2015
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Stadium: Lincoln Financial Field
TV Info: ESPNU
Start Time: Noon eastern
Players to Watch For
Jahad Thomas, RB, Temple
One of the more explosive running backs in college football, Jahad Thomas has struggled a bit in his previous few games. Thomas has gained under 100 yards on the ground in four straight games and will need to end that streak if his team wants a chance to win. He has been hampered with some injuries since the Notre Dame game but he will need to come up big this week. He was one of the big reasons why Temple started out the year 7-0.
Doroland Dorceus, RB, Memphis
Dorceus had a dazzling performance against undefeated Houston last week and this offense can be nearly impossible to stop if him and Paxton Lynch are connecting on all cylinders. Dorceus has not been a huge contributor for Memphis this season but he has strung together a few really good games of late. Against this Temple defense, Dorceus will need to make his presence felt early and often. Memphis should take the same approach they did against Houston, feed Dorceus early and often which will open up the passing game for Paxton Lynch
Prediction
Memphis is a -1.5 favorite in this game but I think Temple pulls this one off. Both teams are going to play inspired football after tough losses last week. Ultimately I think Temple’s defense gets to Lynch early and often starting with its leader Tyler Matakevich at linebacker. I expect PJ Walker to come up huge in this big game.
Temple 31 Memphis 24