Temple vs. UTSA

Temple vs. UTSA: College Football Week 13 Preview and Prediction

Game Details:

• Date: Friday, November 22, 2024
• Time: 7:00 PM ET
• Location: Alamodome, San Antonio, TX
• Broadcast: ESPN2
• Odds: UTSA favored by 15.5 points; Over/Under set at 56

Team Performance Overview

Temple Owls (3-7):
Temple’s season has been marred by defensive struggles, allowing 35 points per game on average. Offensively, they rely on quarterback Evan Simon, who showed resilience in their recent overtime win against Florida Atlantic. However, Temple faces an uphill battle, with a 19-game losing streak on the road weighing heavily on their confidence.

UTSA Roadrunners (5-5):
The Roadrunners have built momentum with wins in three of their last four games. Quarterback Owen McCown has been the cornerstone of the offense, throwing for over 2,700 yards and 22 touchdowns this season. UTSA thrives at home, averaging 37 points per game while limiting opponents to just 15.7 points. Their balanced offensive attack, led by McCown and running back Robert Henry, poses significant challenges for Temple.

Key Matchups to Watch

1. UTSA’s Balanced Offense vs. Temple’s Defense:
   The Roadrunners rank 42nd in the nation in scoring offense, averaging 31.2 points per game, against a Temple defense that ranks 121st in scoring defense. UTSA’s ability to control the game on the ground and in the air could make this a lopsided affair.
2. Temple’s Passing Game:
   Temple will need a big performance from Simon and wide receiver Dante Wright to exploit UTSA’s defense, which has occasionally allowed explosive plays.
3. Special Teams Impact:
   UTSA’s ability to capitalize on field position and Temple’s need for clean execution on special teams could play a role in keeping the game close—or not.

Prediction

UTSA enters this matchup as the clear favorite due to their offensive efficiency and home-field advantage. Temple’s inability to stop high-powered offenses makes it difficult to envision an upset. Expect UTSA to dominate both halves, with their defense doing enough to hold Temple below their season average in points.

Final Pick: UTSA to cover (-15.5); Total Points: Over 56.
Projected Score: UTSA 38, Temple 17.

This game could solidify UTSA’s bowl eligibility and highlight their growing strength as a program, while Temple will look to close out a tough season with some positives.