Game 7: Temple

Rutgers is 6-0, 3-0 in the Big East, and ranked 15th in the initial BCS standings. It's one of the best starts to the season in program history, and the Scarlet Knights look to keep things going in the right direction today, as they head down to Philadelphia to take on the Temple Owls in Lincoln Financial Field. Temple is new again to the Big East, and they do not have the talent Rutgers does, but they are a well coached, dangerous team who are capable of pulling an upset. Rutgers must be emotionally ready and mentally prepared for this one, in order to avoid a stinker.

Get to Know Temple

Rutgers on Offense
Temple is solid on defense against the run, but Rutgers will still rely on the ground game. The coaching staff has indicated that Savon Huggins will get more carries, as Jawan Jamison has seemed to be overworked and wearing out the last few weeks, so more down hill plays should be expected. The Knights have over relied on screens this year, and they may run a bunch again, in hopes of off setting the Owls' aggressive blitzes. Gary Nova should be allowed to throw more against this questionable Temple secondary, and the receivers should attack deep. The offensive line has to protect Nova, and get a push in the run game against Temple's defensive line that has some nice size.


Rutgers on Defense
Rutgers is second nationally against the run, and they will face a difficult test this week. Chris Coyer and Montel Harris can both run the ball out of the Owls' spread attack, and Rutgers should load the box to stop the run. Temple doesn't have many playmakers at receiver, and the corners should shut them down. I expect to see a lot of run blitzes, and Steve Beauharnais to play a big role. Scott Vallone must continue to annihilate double teams, and Jamil Merrell will have to step it up and stop the run. He may be subbed out more ofter than the past two games, just to get more size in there. Force them to play from behind and pass.

Injuries
Kicker Kyle Fedirico's status is still up in the air. If he can't go, Anthony DiPaula will take his place again.
Al Page is out for the year at DT, as is Ike Holmes, and Daryl Stepehnson.
Sam Bergen was limited last week, but he should be a go today, as he is filling in for Mike Burton at FB.

Prediction- Rutgers 27 Temple 16
Rutgers will have a nice day in the air and a solid rushing attack, and Temple's offense will be able to run the ball a little bit, but the Owls will have to resort to the pass when they fall behind.