The highly anticipated game is upon us. Temple vs. Penn State has all the makings to be a great game. Two 2-0 teams, inner state rivals, and with revenge on the mind of every Temple Owls player, this Saturday's game can't come any sooner.
To help us get a better understanding of what the Penn State Nittany Lions look like, I spoke with Charlie of Nittany White Out.
1. How would you grade freshman quarterback Robert Boldin's performance so far this season, and what kind of impact do you see him bringing to the game this weekend?
Robert Bolden is a work in progress. If I could award him an Incomplete that would be the grade I would give him. But just for argument's sake he gets a B. This is a very talented QB with outstanding poise that breaks the mold of your typical true freshman. He was superb against Youngstown State (20/29 239 yards) and Kent State (17/27 217 yards), but against those opponents could have made anyone look good. Fortunately Penn State faced the defending and top ranked team on the road. Against Alabama, Bolden was 13 for 29 in a hostile environment. Not bad when you consider McElroy's numbers 16 of 24 during the same game. Bolden was able to pass the ball down the length of the field against the Bama D on numerous occasions only to turn over the ball in the red zone. Once he stops forcing the ball into bad situations and learn to throw the ball away instead, he will earn his way to an A.
2. Continuing with Boldin, do you think he will be able to lead the Nittany Lions to a Big Ten championship this season? How about the future?
No. Although the turnovers hurt, Bolden won't be the reason why Penn State won't have a shot at the Big Ten championship this season. Surprisingly Penn State's weakness is on the defensive side of the ball. Against Alabama, the O-line managed to hold Alabama to 0 sacks all game, the defensive however was gashed for 180 yards on the ground and 229 through the air. A defensive breakdown unseen since USC's performance in the Rose Bowl. Bolden's performance so far has been commendable, and the fact that he is a true freshman has Lion fans giddy about the possibilities in seasons to come.
3. Evan Royster is, perhaps, you're most explosive weapon on offense. But Stafon Green (correct me on spelling if I'm wrong), is also a talented halfback. Which one will play the biggest role against Temple?
Evan Royster has yet to find his footing this season. His performance thus far has been disturbing for Penn State fans who expected Royster to carry the offense before we saw what Robert Bolden was capable of. Instead, Stephfon Green has helped in carrying the load as everyone waits for Royster to return to last season's form. It isn't Royster nor Green that Temple fans should be worried about this Saturday though. By the time the game is over, Owl fans will know the name Silas Redd.
To date, Royster has carried 31 times for 110 yards (3.5 average) and Stephfon Green has carried 22 times for just about as much (104 yards, 4.7 average). Silas Redd has actually half the number of carries as Royster, but just 40 less total yards. Among the 3 featured backs, he actually leads the team in average yards per carry.
4. Temple's offense, led by Bernard Pierce, has been night-and-day this season, particulary Pierce. After a strong outing against UCONN, the offense is flying high. How will Penn State gameplan for Temple's running game, and what specific defenders should Temple fans keep an eye out for?
Penn State has always been stout against the run (Alabama aside). Look out for defensive tackle Devon Still who leads the team in sacks. Defensive end pressure has been a bit of a concern heading into last week's game. Through 2 games, none of the DEs have logged a sack until Kent State.
5. History suggests that Penn State will walk away with the win against Temple, but in all honesty, what are your feelings on the game? Are you at all fearful of a loss, as hard as that may seem?
I'd put my mood at cautiously optimistic. Let's just put it this way, Temple with arguably it's best squad in recent memory last season, the one that went 7-0 in conference play before falling to Ohio for the MAC East title and a shot at the MAC championship, still merely managed 2 field goals against Penn State. I get that the Owls are 3-0, their best record since 1979, and against somewhat legitimate opponents, but don't forget that Joe Paterno is undefeated against Temple. To date, he has never lost against Wayne Hardin 8-0, Jerry Berndt 4-0, Ron Dickerson 4-0, Bobby Wallace 1-0, and current head caoch Al Golden 4-0 and I just don't see that changing this season.
6. It's that time. Give us your prediction.
Penn State 31 - Temple 14
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We thank Charlie of Nittany White Out for taking some time to take part in our weekly preview, and I suggest you check out his site for more coverage of the Penn State-Temple game.
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