Temple vs. East Carolina Prediction, Game Preview

The Temple Owls (6-0) are looking to stay undefeated when traveling to the East Carolina Pirates (4-3) this Thursday night in primetime. Check out the Temple vs. East Carolina prediction and game preview.

Temple vs. East Carolina Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Thursday, October 22
Game Time: 7:00 ET
Network: ESPN2

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Why You Need To Care

No. 22 Temple is one of three American teams that has yet to lose, averting disaster last week versus UCF. But East Carolina realizes that it can move to the top of the East Division, replacing the Owls, with an upset Thursday night in Greenville. The Pirates have yet to lose at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium in 2015, including a win over Virginia Tech on Sept. 26. And Temple shares similarities with the Hokies, a team whose identity is deeply rooted in a talented and physical defense.

Why Temple Will Win

The Tyler Matakevich-led D began the year by shutting down Penn State, and they’ve remained nasty ever since. Temple allows just under 15 points per game, holding opponents to three yards a carry and a 50% completion percentage. And it beats teams up. East Carolina, on the other hand, is No. 10 in American run defense, encouraging news for Owl RB Jahad Thomas, who’s rushed for 756 yards and 10 scores in six games.

Why East Carolina Will Win

Greenville is tough on visitors, especially at night when a national audience is peering in. Thomas is tough, sure, but without the consistent support of the passing game, the Pirates can flood the box with athletes from the back seven, namely CB Josh Hawkins and linebackers Zeek Bigger, Montese Overton and Jordan Williams. And while no one this year will abuse the Temple D, ECU offensive coordinator Dave Nichol has done a great job of mixing packages and personnel.

Player Who Matters

The Owls will have to prepare for two quarterbacks, because juniors Blake Kemp and James Summers will play—and bring something very different to the offense. Kemp is the passer, while Summers is the scramble, ranking second on the team in rushing. If the O-line can perform the way it did versus Va Tech, ECU has a shot to take Temple down on Thursday night.

What’s Going To Happen?

East Carolina, in front of its home fans, is going to play with something to prove this week. The Pirates are no strangers to delivering upsets, and the blend of Kemp and Summers could be just what the offense needs to convert in crunch time against the Temple defense. The American will lose one of its unbeaten teams this week, while the East Division becomes a race again.