Temple's running game will be challenge for Penn State

Successful game plans usually emphasize aspects in which a team excels. And Temple has excelled at running the ball in the first two games.

So you can expect the Owls to attempt to do much of the same - at least early on - in Saturday's game against Penn State at Lincoln Financial Field.

"The running game is the most vital thing in a football game," Temple left guard Derek Dennis said. "You always want to establish the run so you can open up the pass.

"So our offense is going to come out and establish the run early."

Afterward, the Owls (2-0 overall, 1-0 Mid-American) plan to unveil a more wide-open offense than they showed in blowout victories over Villanova and Akron.

A crowd expected to be at near capacity could see four-wide-receiver sets and backup quarterback Chester Stewart running the spread offense against the Nittany Lions (1-1).

But before they get fancy, the Owls will try to let tailback Bernard Pierce run wild like he did in the season's first two contests.

The 6-foot, 218-pound junior takes 297 rushing yards and six touchdowns into this game, and he could have had more. But with the game out of hand, he sat out the second half against the Zips. Pierce exited the 'Nova game once he scored his third touchdown with 2 minutes, 2 seconds remaining in the third quarter.

Still, he is tied for second in the nation in scoring and ranked sixth in rushing yards.

A team player, Pierce often credits his massive offensive linemen, who average 6-5 and nearly 320 pounds, for his success. And with just cause.

Pierce scooted untouched on most of this season's touchdowns and usually gets beyond the line of scrimmage before defenders get a hand on him.

Saturday could be different.

Center John Palumbo (6-5, 312), right guard Wayne Tribue (6-4, 324), Dennis (6-5, 328), left tackle Pat Boyle (6-5, 320), and right tackle Martin Wallace (6-6, 310) realize this could be their stiffest test of the season.

The Nittany Lions defensive line is anchored by standout defensive tackles Devon Still (6-5, 310) and Jordan Hill (6-1, 297), who were somewhat immovable in the first two games.

"They are both real big, like bigger than your average [Mid-American Conference] linemen," said Tribue. "So it will be a good test for us to see where we are."

But this is a challenge the Owls are eager to face.

"You always want to go against the best and see where you are," Tribue said.

Before his injury in last year's game in Happy Valley, Pierce carried 10 times for 42 yards and two touchdowns. The Owls were leading, 13-9. Penn State came back to win, 22-13.

Pierce realized that he can become a difference-maker Saturday if he stays healthy.

"We played a high-caliber team and we were neck-and-neck with them," he said of last season's game. "So I'm sure everybody is really excited."