Temple vs. Charlotte Prediction, Game Preview

The Temple Owls (3-0) return to action with a first-ever meeting against the Charlotte 49ers (2-2). Check out the Temple vs. Charlotte prediction and game preview.

Temple vs. Charlotte Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Friday, October 2

Game Time: 7:00 ET

Network: CBS Sports Network

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Why You Need To Care

Temple is coming out of a bye week that allowed the program to fully digest its new role as one of the frontrunners in the American. The Owls enjoyed a memorable September that included an upset of in-state rival Penn State and a win at one-time league favorite Cincinnati. Temple faces Charlotte, which had an eventful September of its own. Playing in the FBS for the first time, the 49ers won twice before being outclassed in consecutive Conference USA matchups.

Why Temple Will Win

Charlotte isn’t ready for a D the caliber of the Owls. The 49ers turned the ball over seven times, and didn’t score an offensive touchdown last week versus Florida Atlantic. Enter linebackers Tyler Matakevich and Nate D. Smith, and the rest of a nasty Temple defense that leads its league with a dozen sacks.

Why Charlotte Will Win

The 49er defense regrouped from a collapse in the previous week to keep the FAU offense out of the end zone over the final three quarters. NT Larry Ogunjobi and LB Caleb Clayton-Molby fueled an attacking group that produced five takeaways and nine stops for loss. For all of its early success, Temple is having problems sustaining drives and scoring points.

Player Who Matters

The passing game remains stuck in neutral, so the Owls will keep leaning on RB Jahad Thomas, provided he quits fumbling. However, Temple must improve at controlling the line of scrimmage. C Kyle Friend is the only blocker taking care of business on a unit that’s allowed more tackles for loss per game than any FBS team. If Thomas absorbs contact near the line, the Owl offense will stumble this fall.

What’s Going To Happen?

For the first time this year, Temple will be able to breathe easy late in a game. The Owl defense versus the error-prone Charlotte offense will be a mismatch. Temple will create a spate of turnovers that put points on the board and place a struggling offense in short-field opportunities.