It didn't get the hype that Appalachian State received after beating Michigan in 2007, namely because it was a much lower-profile win.
But it served as a wake-up call to Temple, who led 24-14 with 10 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. The Owls, embarrassed, went on to lose 31-6 to Penn State in the
next week before rattling off nine straight wins and earning a bid in the EagleBank Bowl against UCLA.It was the start of a great season for Villanova, who finished with a 14-1 record and won the FCS Championship.
Now, the two Philadelphia colleges face off again, and Temple's out for revenge. That won't come easy, though. I actually think Villanova will win this game outright for the second straight year.
Temple is a solid team, returning 16 starters, including quarterback Chester Stewart and running backs Bernard Pierce and Matt Brown. On defense, the Owls return just three of their top six tacklers from last season, though.
Meanwhile, Villanova returns eight on offense and seven on defense. However, one of those is superstar playmaker Matt Szczur (no idea on pronunciation), who simply makes things happen for the Wildcats. Last year, he finished with 108 carries for 813 yards, 51 receptions for 610 yards and 14 total touchdowns, and added a 27-yard per kick return average.
Offensively, he's just one of many threats for Villanova. Quarterback Chris Whitney and running backs Aaron Ball and Angelo Babbaro also return. All three are seniors and multi-year starters. Szczur, Ball and Babbaro combined for 3,036 yards and 28 touchdowns last year, and that number should continue as most of the offensive line returns.
In the August 23rd FCS coaches poll, Villanova received 22 first-place votes. Montana and Appalachian State received two and four votes, respectively. It's the Wildcats' championship to lose. At least, that's how the rest of the FCS coaches feel.
Look for the 'Cats to give the Owls another scare. I see an exact repeat from last year: Villanova 27, Temple 24.
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