Bowl season is now in full swing and the Marmot Boca Raton Bowl is the next one on the docket. The #24 Temple Owls will take on the Toledo Rockets in matchup that pits two exciting Group of 5 teams that were vying for a New Year’s Six Bowl just a few weeks ago.
Temple Season Recap
Temple has had a thrilling season, finishing the year at 10-3. They lost in the American Athletic Conference Championship Game to Houston but still had one of their best seasons on record. The Owls started the year at 7-0 for the first time in school history and cracked the rankings for the first time since 1979.
Toledo Season Recap
Toledo was very strong this season, ending at 9-2 on the year and also started off the year going 7-0. The Rockets were tearing opponents apart in the MAC, but fell apart in the final game to Western Michigan to end in a three-way tie with Western Michigan and Northern Illinois, a participant from last year's Boca Raton Bowl, for the division title and lost on tiebreakers.
"Temple Tuff" on Defense and Offense
Temple is one of the best defensive teams in the nation led by Bednarik Award winning linebacker Tyler Matakevich. The defense has been able to shut down offenses, allowing only 19.2 points per game and 339 yards per game, both of which are in the top 20 in the nation. The Owls have also forced 22 turnovers this year, giving their offense plenty of extra opportunities to score.
Temple’s offense has been productive as well with a plethora of players contributing to their play. Quarterback P.J. Walker and running back Jahad Thomas have been paving their path this season, helping Temple average 369 yards a game and 30.8 points per game.
Toledo's Rocketing Offense and Defense
Toledo was unstoppable on offense this year, especially off the ground. Running backs Kareem Hunt and Terry Swanson each had over 850 yards on the ground and combined for 17 touchdowns. The offense as a whole averaged 463 yards and 34.7 points.
On defense, the Rockets have had trouble stopping the passing game, allowing over 250 yards per game. Overall, they have been decent, allowing an average of 387 yards and 21.1 points. They have also been able to force turnovers, totalling 20 this year.
Keys to the Game
For Temple, they have more than just a win riding on this game. After being snubbed from a bowl game last season, Temple has been playing to get back to this spot and they are not looking to disappoint. Temple’s key to the game is to stay focused and keep doing what they have been doing all season. If they let the big stage get to them, they might end the season on a sour note.
To win this game, Toledo has to be able to contain P.J. Walker and apply pressure to him. Walker loves to scramble when the pocket collapses and against this run defense, he will not get very far. If they let Walker get comfortable in the pocket, it will be a long day for the Rockets.
Prediction
This game may very well be the best matchup outside of the marquee games and will be close and exciting. It will be back and forth all night, but Temple’s motivation will get them on top to take down Toledo, 31-27.