The Temple Owls shoot for a 3-0 start with this week’s trip north to play the UMass Minutemen. We take a look at the game below in the Temple vs. UMass prediction and game preview.

Temple vs. UMass Prediction & Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, September 19
Game Time: 3:00 ET
Network: ESPN3

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Why You Need To Care

Philly vs. Boston. Amherst, to be specific, but there will be a Northeast feel to this weekend’s matchup at Gillette Stadium. Temple has been one of the big stories of the first quarter of 2015, opening with statement wins over Penn State and Cincinnati. Now, the Owls must keep their eye on the ball as a heavy favorite. UMass opened its campaign last weekend with a 48-14 flop at Colorado.

Why Temple Will Win

The defense is nasty, having already frustrated two possible next-level quarterbacks, Christian Hackenberg and Gunner Kiel. The Minutemen had trouble protecting their hurler, Blake Frohnapfel, in Boulder last week, which is a major concern as LB Tyler Matakevich and the Owls soar into town.

Why UMass Will Win

In Frohnapfel, the Minutemen actually harbor the better pure passer in this matchup. While the Owls are dinking and dunking with P.J. Walker, Frohnapfel to WR Tajae Sharpe is a dangerous hook-up. After the emotion of the Penn State and Cincinnati games, is Temple really going to be focused on beating UMass?

Player Who Matters

The Minutemen were absolutely mauled for 390 rushing yards by Colorado, hardly a team with a ground-and-pound reputation. As if they needed more reasons, the Owls will hammer UMass with RB Jahad Thomas, who’s rushed for no less than 135 yards in each of the first two games.

What’s Going To Happen?

Motivation and focus could be a concern for Temple, considering how the season has begun. But the Owls will grind through the challenge of a potential letdown, with plenty of support from the defense and the running of Thomas. Frohnapfel will accumulate some yards, as well as a few sacks and picks in the loss.

Temple vs. UMass Score Prediction

Final Score: Temple 34, UMass 14, Line: Temple -10, o/u: 53.5

Must See Rating: 5: Republican Debate, Second Round – 1: Republican Debate, First Round … 1.5

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