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Buffalo at Temple: Predicting the Owls’ chance to bounce back

Coming off a 19-17 loss to Villanova, Temple figures to show more urgency, but will it be enough?

Temple quarterback Frank Nutile gets rid of football pressured by Villanova linebacker Keeling Hunter during the third-quarter on Saturday, September 1, 2018. YONG KIM / Staff Photographer
Temple quarterback Frank Nutile gets rid of football pressured by Villanova linebacker Keeling Hunter during the third-quarter on Saturday, September 1, 2018. YONG KIM / Staff PhotographerRead moreYong Kim

If Temple is at a crossroads in its second game of the season — and after losing to Villanova, 19-17, that is where we have the Owls standing — then this is a must-win situation. On the positive side, one would think the Owls have to look better on offense, after averaging 2.1 yards per carry and throwing two interceptions.

On the other hand, Temple has to be better and score more points because it will be facing a high-powered offense led by 6-foot-7, 245-pound quarterback Tyree Jackson and all-American receiver Anthony Johnson. Jackson threw six touchdown passes in last week's win over Delaware State. He can light up a quality defense.

The addition of graduate transfer George Rushing from Wisconsin only adds to the talented receivers. If Villanova receivers were getting open at will, what will Buffalo's do?

With the season on the line, even after just one game, Temple has to show more urgency. It still might not be enough.

Prediction: Buffalo 28, Temple 27.