Game of the Week

Kent State @ Temple 2:00pm, 21 November, ESPN360.com

The Tale of the Tape: How does Kent State measure up?

Don't judge a book by its cover. At least that's what our grade school teachers always told us. Well, the same thing can be said in football, "Don't judge a team by their record." Sure 9 times out of 10 you'll be right and it won't be a problem, but there is still that one time you'll have to worry about. Kent State may be 5-5 overall but their offense continues to relentlessly churn out yardage. Even with the loss of running backs Eugene Jarvis and Alan Vanderink, the Golden Flashes have averaged over 420 yards in total offense in the past 3 games. Sure their rushing average has dropped about 30 yards, but it hasn't slowed the offense as much as many would expect.

QB Spencer Keith seems to have suddenly become color blind with 5 INTs in the past three games. Kent State is 2-1 in their most recent three games so it appears as though Keith's 60% completion percentage and 300 ypg average has made up for his lack in accuracy. Another reason for Kent State's recent success amid their quarterback's sudden inability to identify friend from foe is their defense. Having surrendered an average of 17.7 points in the past three games it is a significant improvement from their overall season performance giving up 21.3 ppg. The defense has 26 total sacks on the season ranking them #23 nationally. Leading this performance is junior DL Monte Simmons who has taken down opposing quarterbacks 5.5 times this season.

The Tale of the Tape: How does Temple measure up?

The Owls is one of only two teams in the MAC that favors a run heavy offense. With the exception of Northern Illionis who runs a completely one dimensional rushing attack, Temple really is the only team which believes in controlling the clock on the ground but still keeping defenses honest through the air. In the most recent three games, Kent State has outgained Temple in total yardage by over 60 yards, yet the Owls average 17 points per game more on offense than the Golden Flashes. It doesn't seem to make sense until you look at the turnover margins. Temple has a +6 turnover margin overall, while Kent State rocks a -3 margin. Most games can come down to just two simple statisitics... 3rd Conversions and Turnover margin. Temple wins both hands down.

While the Golden Flashes rank well in sacks nationally, the Owls are even better with 27 total for the defensive unit. Sophomore DL Adrian Robinson Jr. is one of the best defensive linemen in the country with 10 total sacks (#7 nationally). Offensively, Temple will continue to hand the ball off to Freshman running back Bernard Pierce who averages over 130 yards per games and has a total of 15 TDs this season. With all this young talent, it looks as though Temple will be the new powerhouse MAC teams will have to contend with.

When the Dust Settles....

In this game it will come down to who can limit their turnovers and I don't think they make corrective lens for color-blindness. Spencer Keith will add 2 more interceptions to his totals as Temple walks away with this one by atleast two touchdowns.

Prediction: Temple 35 - Kent State 21

Upset Alert

Buffalo @ Miami (OH) 8:00pm, 18 November, ESPNU

Oh Buffalo... you were so good last season. I'm sure most FBS Athletic Directors are looking at Turner Gill's Bulls and thanking their lucky stars they didn't sign him into their coaching vacancy. I'm usually the first to jump on a coach for the absolute collapse of a team during the off season, but this isn't the case with Buffalo. Sure a year ago they were the MAC Champions, but how can you expect any coach to overcome the massive number of injuries the Bulls have sustained in one season. With James Starks going out for the season right away and just about every other running back on the roster spending time injured, I'd say the Bulls have fared well this season. Unfortunately, I don't think the Bulls have the right personnel healthy to keep up with Miami (OH). The Redhawks have a strong passing game, but have suffered from a complete lack in defense. Fortunately for Miami (OH), the Bulls have struggled to generate offense at critical times and will likely struggle again tonight.

Prediction: Miami (OH) 28 - Buffalo 24

The Undercards

Central Michigan @ Ball State 8:00pm, 18 November, ESPN2

The Chippewas will blow away the Cardinals for one very simple and enormous reason. CMU has Dan LeFevour a seasoned veteran and BSU has backup quarterback Tanner Justice who will be temping the rest of the season for injured Kelly Page. Q.E.D.

Prediction: Central Michigan 42 - Ball State 17

Bowling Green @ Akron 5:30pm, 20 November, ESPNU

Operating on their 3rd string quarterback, Akron stands no chance in this game. Especially with a gun slinger like Tyler Sheehan throwing the ball for the falcons.

Prediction: Bowling Green 31 - Akron 13

Eastern Michigan @ Toledo 7:00pm, 20 November

Yes Toledo should win this game, but not before Eastern Michigan continues to show that the Rockets have to spend some time rebuilding their defense in the off season.

Prediction: Toledo 45 - Eastern Michigan 35

Northern Illinois @ Ohio 2:00pm, 21 November

I can't believe that NIU is only favored by 1 point in this game. Sure the Bobcats have played well this season, but the Huskies' offense generates points like it's their job. Wait a second... I think it is their job.