1. Temple is heading into Friday's game with vengence following Villanova's 27-24 victory over the Owls in 2009. What kind of emotions will the Wildcats have entering Friday's game?
I can really only speak for the fans and their emotions and I know that most of 'Nova Nation is fired up to get this football season underway. There's been a ton of action on the social networking mediums about tickets and tailgate plans and I'd expect a strong turnout for the game.
As for the team, I think they're coming into this season full of confidence, but they're completely aware that Temple will be gunning for them on Friday night. While it wouldn't be bad at all to go down to an FCS team, this is a local rivalry and everyone wants the feeling of lifting that trophy again and knowing you were good enough to be an FBS team.
2. Last time these two teams met, senior Brendyn Harvey played a major role in defeating the Owls. Who do you think will step up for Nova on Friday, and how do you see Nova utilizing junior Matt Szcuzur against Temple this time around?
Chris Whitney and Matt Szczur are going to have to step up for the 'Cats if their offense is going to get to the level they are capable of. Szczur is going to touch the ball in a multitude of ways, whether it be splitting out, taking handoffs, or taking a direct snap. Temple will undoubtedly game-plan around him so Whitney is going to need other targets to step up (Mikey Reynolds, Dorian Wells & Norman White, and the other cogs of the vaunted rushing attack (Aaron Ball & Angelo Babbaro) will need to raise their game as well
3. Villanova will be without their two starting defensive ends last season, Tim Kukucka and Phil Matusz. Should Temple expect to see a lot of pressure from the Cats' defense, specificallly from the outside?
Pre-season FCS Defensive Player of the Year Terence Thomas is still patrolling the field and he'll have an impact on this game in some way. The defensive line is a bit green and we know Temple likes to run the ball, so I think you'll see a lot of run blitzes lead by the aforementioned Thomas to try and clog the gaps and force Temple's inexperienced QB to make some plays. Bringing pressure is the way we're going to turn this game on it's head.
4. Temple was able to hold Villanova's ground game in check last meeting, and held Matt Szcuzur to five yards on just three attempts. What will Villanova look to do differently this time around, and do you think they will be able to estabilish the run on Friday?
Szczur is going to have more than 3 touches, so that's the main thing that is going to be different. I think he'll have at least 1-2 big plays, but if Temple can hold him to less, things are probably going to go well for them. If Villanova can't get Szczur going early, it probably means a long day and without Harvey here this season, it becomes a question of whether to pound the ball with our stable of backs or try to air it out to talented, but unproven wideouts.
If things get desperate I'd bank on the latter because of the experience of Whitney.
5. Give us a couple of players from Villanova that Temple fans should keep an eye on, and explain how they could have an impact on this game.
Aaron Ball is a severely underrated running back and the workhorse of the team. If he gets some space I think Temple fans will be impressed. OL Ben Ijalana is being touted as an early-round draft choice. And yes, he is that good. I mentioned Terence Thomas before and I would watch him captain the defense. He's a phenomenal play-making LB.
And of course, keep an eye on Matt Szczur, he truly is a remarkable athlete.
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Q&A conducted with Christopher Lane of The Nova Blog.
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