Temple vs. Bucknell: Five things to watch in the season opener

Temple opens its 2019 campaign on Saturday against FCS opponent Bucknell at 3 p.m.

The game will mark the debut of new coach Rod Carey, who takes over for Geoff Collins.

Here are five things to watch in the season opener:

Temple is opening as a favorite against a Football Championship Subdivision team. The last time Temple lost to an FCS team, one has to go all the way back ... to last year’s opener, when Villanova came into the Linc and beat the Owls.

And since Temple hasn’t won an opener since beating Penn State in 2015, the Owls vow they aren’t overlooking Bucknell. Even though the Bison went 1-10, have a new coach in Dave Cecchini, and are expected to be among the cellar-dwellers in the Patriot League, Temple seems focused. One truly gets the feeling the Owls aren’t overconfident, even though Bucknell has never beaten an FBS team. Carey says no game is taken for granted, that there are only 12 of these. Well, the other 11 probably won’t be this easy, whether Carey and the players want to admit it or not.

Temple fans are probably saying “who?” Pechin is a fifth-year punter who has NFL aspirations. He is a three-time first-team all-Patriot League choice. A graduate of Unionville High, he is expected to bring a sizable contingent to the game. Last year he averaged 44.5 yards per punt, which was fourth in FCS and second-best in school history. One school record that was set last year that Pechin hopes he doesn’t break, is most punts in a season – 81. He might be busy in this game.

Wait, isn’t he a returning first-team all-conference linebacker? That is correct, but a source indicated early in the week that Bradley is expected to carry the ball as well. Temple’s running game is unproven and Bradley, an outstanding running back at Rancocas Valley, has been carrying the ball in practice and is expected to see action early in the game. Bradley loves running the ball, but tracking down ball carriers is still his specialty.

Temple quarterback Anthony Russo missed two weeks with a calf injury before returning to practice on Monday. While Monday was a light practice, Tuesday was a heavy one and Russo said he participated in everything. On Wednesday, he was declared the starter.

This is the year Temple’s best offensive threat is expected to get many more touches and visit the end zone more frequently. Last year, Wright had just 33 receptions and carried the ball 18 times. He is listed as a receiver, but also likely will line up in the backfield. Wright, who has five career return touchdowns -- including three last year -- should also return punts and kickoffs. It will be interesting if the Owls hold back a little this week, or try to give Wright the ball early and often.

Saturday, 3 p.m., Lincoln Financial Field

TV/radio: ESPN3; 97.5 The Fanatic.

Records: Bucknell, 0-0, 0-0 Patriot League; Temple, 0-0, 0-0 American Athletic Conference.

Coaches: Bucknell Dave Cecchini (1st season; overall, 17-38); Temple, Rod Carey (first season, overall, 52-30).

Last meeting: Sept. 19, 1970, Temple won, 10-3 at Bucknell.

Series: Bucknell leads, 20-16-8.