Ok, I will now admit that I believe this is the toughest test thus far on our schedule. A road game at Temple is never easy and we have a target on our back this week: an undefeated resume and a #20 ranking. That said, I don't get why we're 4 point dogs. If you break down Temple's 4-3 record I think you can question some of their schedule as much as ours:
L Nova 17-19
L (6-1) Buffalo 29-36
W @(4-2) Maryland 35-14
W (1-5) Tulsa 31-17
L @(5-2) Boston College 35-45
W (2-4) East Carolina 49-6
W @(2-4) Navy 24-17
Granted, the road win at Maryland stands out but who else have they really beaten? I expect a close, hard fought win but unlike seasons past, they can't out muscle us this time around. We can run the rock and play tough defense that translates better on the road than the spread chuck-n-duck. FWIW, Cats are #49 Sagarin and Temple #58.
They switched QBs after losing their first games and have been much improved offensively. Defensively they held Navy to 17 points, and held Maryland to 63 yards on the ground, so they are solid against the run. Hopefully we have the wrinkles on ST worked out because I think Temple has scored on a kickoff or punt return against us every year the past 3-4 years.
I like we are the underdog in this one- the last time they were dogs the players said they felt disrespected and came out focused against Miami..
Doesn't Temple struggle to get fans to home games in Lincoln Financial Field? Anyone going as i was wondering where they put the Uc fans in that place, aka nice Nfl field.
Yes their attendance is bad and is in a 70,000 seat NFL stadium, but this will be the best team will have faced to date. Temple has smacked us in the mouth for the past three years and it time we level a receipt.
(10-16-2018 12:55 PM)CliftonAve Wrote: Yes their attendance is bad and is in a 70,000 seat NFL stadium, but this will be the best team will have faced to date. Temple has smacked us in the mouth for the past three years and it time we level a receipt.
Right on dude! As I posted above, we're due to be the more physical team. You will see from the stats that their defense is typical Temple strong but our DEE is special this year. Again, I expect a close, hard fought win on Saturday with a heavy dose of Truck and Turbo Tank (Thomas).
(This post was last modified: 10-16-2018 01:34 PM by UCGrad1992.)
Of the remaining games, this one seems a trap to me. Bearcats are out of game rhythm from a bye week; maybe a bit intoxicated by their own #20 ranking and newfound media interest. I agree that this will be a hard fought, tough, physical game and I won't be surprised if it comes down to a final possession. I'm thinking Temple's rushing defense will be the best UC has seen, season to date. Ridder will need to be sharp passing downfield and our receivers will need to hold on to the ball. UC really owes Temple after the Tubs years and let's hope payback begins Saturday @ noon.
(10-16-2018 01:11 PM)OKIcat Wrote: Of the remaining games, this one seems a trap to me. Bearcats are out of game rhythm from a bye week; maybe a bit intoxicated by their own #20 ranking and newfound media interest. I agree that this will be a hard fought, tough, physical game and I won't be surprised if it comes down to a final possession. I'm thinking Temple's rushing defense will be the best UC has seen, season to date. Ridder will need to be sharp passing downfield and our receivers will need to hold on to the ball. UC really owes Temple after the Tubs years and let's hope payback begins Saturday @ noon.
Re: turnovers, Temple has scored 4 TDs off turnovers through 6 games. They've intercepted the ball 7 times and forced 5 fumbles. They are very opportunistic.
(10-16-2018 01:14 PM)Bearcat2012 Wrote: Total Defense
UC 4th
TU 27th
Rush D
UC 24th TU 92nd
Yeah, I think it's fair to say that Temple is the best overall (total) defense we've faced but strictly against the run not so much. Here are the rushing defense ranks of our FBS opponents played:
Again, on the road having a strong running game will help us immensely. This is a game we should win unless we beat ourselves with turnovers and penalties.
I hate raw numbers like that for two major reasons. 1. Ranking Offense and Defense by yards completely ignores pace. and 2. Ranking Offense and Defense by Yards completely ignores schedule.
Temple Ranks 15th in S/P+ Defense. They are good on that end. Disappointingly the further breakdowns for defense aren't there yet. If you think Temple has the best defense UC has seen this year you are right. They are very likely the best defense UC will see all season.
This is going to be a interesting game.
Weather in Philly on Saturday lower 50s, overcast but no rain. A high scoring game.
Temple has won last three years. They even lead the Bearcats in the AAC East: Owls 3-0, Bearcats 2-0!
I see similarities to UC. Owl HC Geoff Collins is going to be in demand soon; this is his second year as HC.
Owl coaches:
Al Golden coached five years, went to Miami
Steve Addazio coached two years and is doing OK at Boston College.
Matt Rhule coached four years and is doing OK at Baylor.
Does this remind us of any college football team?
Temple has a good tough runner in Ryquell Armstead 122 carries 626 yards
Big Hoss Iron Truck 126 carries 664 yards. Both are quiet, but Armstead was out last week with an ankle injury.
No one is saying whether if he will play Saturday.
Temple QB Anthony Russo has started 5 games and won 4 of them
Both schools have 14 players in the NFL this year.
(10-16-2018 02:09 PM)CoachFickFan Wrote: Temple has a good tough runner in Ryquell Armstead 122 carries 626 yards
Big Hoss Iron Truck 126 carries 664 yards. Both are quiet, but Armstead was out last week with an ankle injury. No one is saying whether if he will play Saturday.
To your point on Armstead...
Quote:Ryquell Armstead’s status still uncertain for Temple’s game vs. Cincinnati
Temple running back Ryquell Armstead, who missed Saturday's 24-17 victory at Navy because of injury (believed to be to his ankle), remains day-to-day, and his status for Saturday's big game against Cincinnati is uncertain.
The Owls (4-3, 3-0) will host the Bearcats (6-0, 2-0) in an American Athletic Conference game at noon Saturday.
"He is still day-to-day, but he is much better," Temple coach Geoff Collins said about Armstead during Monday's AAC media call. "He was much better [Sunday] than when we went to Annapolis."
Still, Collins wouldn't say whether Armstead would play Saturday.
"We know what a great player 'Rock' is and we are excited about his healthy return, whenever that may be," Collins said.
Armstead, who has rushed for 626 yards (5.1 avg.) and six touchdowns, was hurt during the second half of Temple's 49-6 win over ECU on Oct. 6. He left the game limping in the third quarter but returned early in the fourth before once again leaving the field limping.
Cincinnati, which was idle this past week, is ranked No. 20 in this week's AP poll. The Bearcats know the challenge they face in Temple, which is 4-1 with redshirt sophomore Anthony Russo at quarterback.
"They are as athletic of a team that we have played," Cincinnati coach Luke Fickell said during the media call.
In other Temple news, wide receiver Ventell Bryant was named to the AAC honor roll after catching eight passes for 147 yards, including the game-winning, 62-yard reception, against Navy.
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