Penn State-Temple preview

Temple at Penn State

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Saturday, noon, at Beaver Stadium, State College

TV: Big Ten Network. Radio: WNTP-AM (990), WNPV-AM (1440).

Coaches: Temple, Matt Rhule (4th season, 19-21); Penn State, James Franklin (2nd season, 15-13; overall, 39-28).

History: Penn State leads, 39-4-1. Temple won last year, 27-10, at Lincoln Financial Field. The Owls are 0-24-1 at Penn State.

About Penn State: The Nittany Lions saw their rally from a 28-7 second-quarter deficit fall just short last week and lost, 42-39, at Pittsburgh in the first meeting of the two teams since 2000. Quarterback Trace McSorley threw for 332 yards and a touchdown but committed three of the Lions' four turnovers - two fumbles and an interception. Saquon Barkley faced another defense that was loaded up to stop him but still scored five touchdowns - four on the ground, one through the air - while rushing for 85 yards. The Penn State defense gave up 341 yards on the ground to Pitt and rank 116th out of 128 FBS teams against the rush (245.5 yards per game) through two games. . . . Freshman punter Blake Gillikin has been an early sensation for the Lions; in just two games, he already owns two of the five longest punts in school history. . . . Penn State coach James Franklin does not comment on injuries, so it is not known whether two starters who missed last week - middle linebacker Jason Cabinda and wide receiver Saeed Blacknall - will play against the Owls.

About Temple: WR Keith Kirkwood had four receptions for 54 yards and two TDs in last week's win over Stony Brook. The Owls held Stony Brook to 0-13 on third down. S Benny Walls of St. Joe Prep made his college debut last week and led the Owls with five tackles. . . . QB Phillip Walker has been sacked six times. . . .RB Jahad Thomas, who missed the first two games with a discolated left thumb, made the trip to Penn State. A school official says the team hopes he will play. On Tuesday, Thomas participated in practice, but left near the end when he hit his hand on the ground and he was attended to by a trainer. In last year's win over Penn State, Thomas rushed for 135 yards and 2 TDs.