CFI: PSU TRAVELS EAST TO PHILLY

BY PAUL ASPAN
PENN ST. INSIDER

Penn State travels to Philadelphia this weekend to play Temple in a game it should win easily. The Lions are a big favorite against an Owls team coached by Al Golden, who played under Joe Paterno.

Nothing is out of the question – just ask Appalachian State – and Temple was a blown call away from beating #16 Connecticut. But Saturday’s noon matchup at Lincoln Financial Field will be a tall order for the Owls to say the least. Penn State’s defense got back on track last week, holding Purdue to just four field goals. The Owls average less than 100 yards per game and have given up 25 sacks on the year. Despite struggles against Ohio State and Indiana, the Nittany Lions still boast a top 15 defense and lead the nation in sacks, averaging four per game. Furthermore, Penn State will line up against Temple’s back-up quarterback, Vaughn Charlton, the less mobile alternative to injured starter Adam DiMichele.

On the other side of the ball, the Lions go against an Owls defense that gives up almost 30 points per game. Look for redshirt freshman Evan Royster to build on to last week’s 126-yard performance as Temple gives up almost 175 yards per game on the ground.

This is an “away” game in name only for the Lions. Philadelphia is home to an abundance of PSU fans and the fan turnout is likely to be something like three to one in Penn State’s favor. As long as the Lions don’t completely look past the Owls, Penn State won’t have much trouble with Temple.

Photo Credit: Collegiate Images