Game of the Week

Temple at Ohio

2:00pm, 27 November, ESPNU

Game time question for Temple:

Can the defense hold the Bobcats to less than 100 yards rushing?

With the #1 rushing defense in the conference, Temple must have another stellar performance by their defensive line. Only once has Ohio run for less than 100 yards and still come away with a win, and they haven't broken the 100 yard barrier in any of their losses.  The Owls on the other hand have only 4 times allowed opponents to rush for greater than 100 yards, and in those games they are 3-1.

Game time question for Ohio:

Can the defense for force the Owls to the air?

With Temple's Bernard Pierce ranked #8 nationally in rushing yards, it is probably a solid bet that Temple will attempt to dominate the game on the ground. If Ohio can find a way to stymie Pierce and force Temple to pass, it will give their secondary an opportunity to come away with a pick six.  Twice this season, the Ohio defensive backs have scored on an interception in wins decided by less than seven points.

When the Dust Settles:

Temple will dominate the ground game and thereby dominate the clock.  The game will be close and come down to the wire, but in the end, equal performances by the defense will make Bernard Pierce the difference in the game.

Prediction:

Temple  21  -  Ohio  20

Somebody grab a CO2 extinguisher...this guy's about to go Critical!!!

Barnes amassed 197 yards on 12 receptions, two of which were touchdowns.  To save you some time, that's 16.4 yards per catch against a defense which allowed 11.12 yards per reception to opponents.  Toledo's defensive secondary is no better, averaging 12.22 yards per reception allowed, so look for Freddie to explode or at least reach a "self sustaining state" yet again.

The Undercards (One Line-ish Game Predictions)

Buffalo at Kent State

2:00pm, 27 November

Last week, I underestimated the impact RB Ike Nduka has in any game; this week I won't be so foolish.

Prediction:

Buffalo  35  -  Kent State  24

Toledo at Bowling Green

TBD, 27 November

Watching Bowling Green WR Freddie Barnes absolutely dismantle the Akron secondary made me realize that QB Tyler Sheehan is not the only reason the BGSU offense is successful.  Toledo has my vote for worst defense in the FBS so look for another 175+ yard receiving performance by Barnes.

Prediction:

Bowling Green  45  -  Toledo  35

Eastern Michigan at Akron

TBD,  27 November

Ugh.. Who cares...  The only thing that will keep Eastern Michigan in this game is Akron's inability to score on offense.

Prediction:

Akron  14  -  Eastern Michigan  12

Northern Illinois at Central Michigan

TBD, 27 November

Central Michigan wrapped up a bid to the MAC championship last week with a win over Ball State.  The Huskies bring a talented rushing attack, but the Chippewas have the #3 rushing defense in the conference.  Northern Illinois' rushing defense is just as solid so look for QB Dan LeFevour to take to the air a bit more often.

Prediction:

Central Michigan  27  -  Northern Illinois  21

Ball State at Western Michigan

TBD, 27 November

WMU QB Tim Hiller will absolutely destroy the Ball State Secondary, much the way watching a massacre like this might destroy your soul.

Prediction:

Western Michigan  A LOT  -  Ball State  A LITTLE