Revitalized Memphis will test Temple

As they prepared for a crucial American Athletic Conference matchup with Memphis on Friday night at Lincoln Financial Field, the Temple Owls barely mentioned last season's victory over the Tigers.

That's smart, because the similarities between the 2013 and 2014 Tigers are few.

"That's not how we're approaching any of the games left on our schedule," Temple defensive tackle Matt Ioannidis said. "The ECU game was last week; last year's game with Memphis was last year. They are playing very well."

Temple upset conference leader East Carolina on Saturday to earn its first home victory over a top-25 team. Last year, the Owls earned their lone 2013 conference victory in a season-ending 41-21 win at Memphis. Temple racked up 534 yards on offense while limiting Memphis to a season-low 228 yards.

Almost a year later, Memphis (5-3, 3-1) comes to town tied with four others for the conference lead, winner of its last two games by a combined score of 88-30. The Tigers have visions of their first bowl trip since 2008.

The Tigers lead the conference in scoring at 36.2 points a game. Senior running back Brandon Hayes has gone over 100 yards in each of the last two games and leads the AAC's best rushing attack (206 yards a game). Last Friday against Tulsa, Hayes carried 29 times for 199 yards and three touchdowns in a 40-20 win.

Sophomore quarterback Paxton Lynch, while experiencing some growing pains, is having a decent season. He has completed 64 percent of his passes for 1,891 yards, 10 touchdowns, and six interceptions.

Of the AAC teams, only Houston and Temple allow fewer points than Memphis (19.4 a game). Temple defensive end PraiseMartin-Oguike and Memphis linebacker Tank Jakes are the only players to be named the conference's top weekly defenders twice this season.

The Owls recovered five fumbles in their victory over East Carolina. However, they know they must be more consistent than they have been over the last three weeks, especially on offense. Against ECU, the Owls were outgained, 432-135, and lost the first-down battle, 30-10.

In going 1-2 in their last three games, the Owls have been outgained 1,337 yards to 674, seen the opposition run 256 plays to their 161, and allowed 80 first downs while picking up just 31.

"We have to be at our best against this team, there's no question about it," Temple coach Matt Rhule said. "We will. The importance of this game isn't lost on anyone."

When: Friday at 7:30, p.m.

Where: Lincoln Financial Field.

Records: Memphis 5-3, 3-1 American Athletic Conference; Temple 5-3, 3-2.

TV/Radio: ESPNU/WPEN-FM (97.5)

Coaches: Temple, Matt Rhule (2d season, 7-13), Memphis, Justin Fuente (3d season 12-20).

Series: Temple leads the series 1-0. In their only meeting, Temple won, 41-21, on Nov. 30, 2013 at Memphis.

Three Things to Watch

The Owls won last week despite allowing 20 more first downs and being outgained, 432-135. That's not a formula for success, and they'll require a better showing from the offense against a high-scoring Memphis squad.

Memphis likes to run the ball and leads the conference in rushing with 206 yards per game. The Owls believe their defensive line is getting stronger and will focus on slowing the Tigers' rushing attack.

Temple's offensive line is battered. Left Tackle Dion Dawkins appears mostly recovered from a nagging foot injury. However, starting guards Shahbaz Ahmed (ankle) and Brendan McGowan (shoulder) could miss the game with injuries.

Three Things You Might Not Know

The Owls don't want this game to turn into a field- goal contest. Last week, Memphis placekicker Jake Elliot hit four field goals, including two of 50-plus yards against Tulsa.

The game pits the best red-zone offenses and defenses in the conference head-to-head. Memphis has scored on 34 of 37 trips into its opponents' red zone (91.9 percent). Temple's defense has allowed opponents just 15 scores on 23 trips inside the red zone (65.2 percent).

Memphis is coming off back-to-back wins for the first time this season and is two games above .500 for the first time since 2007. Its last two victories came against Tulsa (1-7) and SMU (0-7).

- John N. Mitchell

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