A Look at the Matchups in the Penn State-Temple Game
With Penn State taking on Temple this weekend at Beaver Stadium, many are wondering if the Nittany Lions can continue their dominant winning streak over the Owls. While Temple has not won a game against Penn State since 1941, the continuing development of the Owls and the issues plaguing Penn State may turn the tides in this series. And it certainly should not be forgotten that Temple made last year's game very close.
Penn State head coach Bill O’Brien has brought with him the offense he ran with Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. The changes O'Brien has implemented have greatly helped quarterback Matt McGloin’s development from the 2011 season to this one. The redshirt senior’s leadership will be crucial in a tight game like the one Temple should bring Saturday afternoon.
Even though it's early in the season, it's obvious that O'Brien's guidance has improved McGloin's decision making and reduced his turnovers. If McGloin executes the offense well against the experienced front line of Temple, the Nittany Lions should come out with a win.
On Temple's side, it's time for fans to take another look at the underappreciated Chris Coyer. The junior quarterback emerged from a tough quarterback battle in the summer, rotating in and out of the top spot with Mike Gerardi and Chester Stewart. This season, Coyer has beat out his competition with his hard work and knack for making the right adjustments.
Despite only completing 41.4 percent of his passes in the first two games, Coyer has managed the game well, throwing only one interception. With added uncertainty for the Nittany Lions on defense, Coyer can keep his team in it with a clean, quick offense.
All eyes will be on Penn State wide receiver Allen Robinson, who has lit up the stat sheet in the first three games of the season: 24 catches, 322 yards and four touchdowns.
"He isn't the fastest guy in the world, but his routes are so perfect," McGloin said of his favorite target so far this season.
Temple's defense will have to keep track of where Robinson is on the field at all times because of his great route-running. The Temple defense has only forced one interception in two games. The Owls' secondary will need to step up and disrupt the Nittany Lion passing game.
Temple running backs Montel Harris and Matt Brown are both expected to play this weekend, which should be of some relief to Temple fans. However, Temple will need to mix up its playcalling to keep Penn State's dominating front seven from settling into a groove. Some creativity in Temple's playbook will be necessary to keep the defense honest enough to open up running lanes for Harris and Brown.
Perhaps the biggest question mark for the Nittany Lions is the kicking game. Sam Ficken, who missed an extra point last week against Navy following his 1-for-5 field goal performance against Virginia, is far from a sure thing whenever he lines up to kick. However, in a recent press conference on September 18th, O’Brien seemed confident in his kicker, stating that confidence comes from practice, and during practice Ficken was 10-for-10. Hearing of Ficken’s improvements during practice may send a slight sense of relief across State College going into this game.
Saturday’s game against the Owls could be one for the books for Penn State. Will O’Brien be able to maintain the Penn State legacy of continuing to defeat Temple? Or, will Temple rally together, take down the Nittany Lions' key players, and walk away with their first victory in decades? These questions will be answered come kickoff tomorrow.
Chelsea Clemens is a junior majoring in Broadcast Journalism. To contact her, email cmc6031@psu.edu.
