Temple is grappling with a lot of questions this week.
Is the team dazed and confused? Has the grueling opening schedule sent the team reeling?
For the BG game, the real question is this - how will the team react to the Western Michigan game?
I see two possible scenarios:
1) Wow, we almost pulled that one off. We're ready to get over the hump and win one; with BG struggling, this is our chance. Time to get revenge for that 70 they hung on us.
2) We're screwed. That was our best chance at a win all year and it was at home. I hope I'm not the one on Sportscenter chasing Charles Sharon into the end zone six times.
Either one is quite possible. Remember, Temple is used to being down. Last year, they were riding a six-game losing streak when they shocked Syracuse 34-24.
Speaking of streaks - Temple is riding a five-game losing streak and has lost 20 of its last 22 games. Over the past 2+ seasons, Temple is 2-23 against D-IA opponents. Also, the Owls haven't won a road game since Oct. 4, 2003, losing 10 in a row.
Meanwhile, BG hasn't lost a regular-season home game since November 3, 2001. That's 18 straight games. BG hasn't lost a non-conference home game since the 2000 home opener against Pittsburgh.
Another real question - Is this team ready to give up on Wallace (i.e. scenario #2 above)? From what I've read and heard, the Owls played their hearts out against WMU. Though the game was sloppy, Temple played hard all four quarters. Was that a last gasp or an indication that there's no quit in this team?
Next, I'm thrilled to hear that The Doyt will be packed. And given Temple's limited fan base, we can assume that means it will be packed with orange & brown. Advantage BG? Maybe, but not a big one. Temple is laden with seniors and these kids have been in much bigger and more hostile environments - they've already played at Arizona State and Camp Randall this year, in addition to last year's trips to Maryland, Toledo, West Virginia, etc.
The final intangible? Well, the psychic link between the Falcons and Noah's flag football team will make itself known Saturday morning. Our squad takes the field bright and early, so we may have an indication of how the Falcons will perform then.
