Penn State Football: Previewing the Temple Game

The Penn State Nittany Lions and the Temple Owls square off in an in-state, Week 3 matchup of the college football season.

Last week, the Nittany Lions were not able to continue the momentum off of their Week 1 win over FCS opponent Indiana State, losing to the Alabama Crimson Tide 27-11.

The Owls had a much easier time in their first two weeks of the season. In Weeks 1 and 2, the Owls stomped both Villanova and Akron.

Week 3 should be another early-season primer as Penn State gets set for Big Ten play. Temple wants to make sure they not only give the Nittany Lions a great game, but also earn some respect against a tradition-rich team.

These teams are obviously very different in terms of talent, exposure and expectations. However, the Nittany Lions have several question marks on both sides of the ball. This could keep things closer than most anticipate.

Bouncing back from a loss is important to any team—especially a team with so many lingering concerns. Penn State has this week, and Week 4 against Eastern Michigan, to get ready for their Big Ten conference slate.

If they can't address their immediate concerns, the season could get much longer for everyone in Happy Valley.

Will They Settle on a Quarterback?

Heading into Week 3 of the college football season, the Penn State Nittany Lions have not settled on one quarterback.

Matt McGloin and Robert Bolden are still too close to call. This has formed a tricky quarterback situation that does not seem to have an end in sight in Happy Valley.

Through two weeks, Rob Bolden is the statistical leader by a slim margin. He is 17-of-41 for 181 yards so far this season.

McGloin is 7-of-18 for 77 yards. The Penn State offense has looked more fluid under McGloin at times, however, McGloin does not have the potential Bolden possesses.

If either quarterback has a lights out performance, they will see more time behind center. Bolden seems to have the talent needed to breakout, but he also seems very reluctant to make a mistake.

No matter how the coaches cut it, quarterback-by-committee is a tough situation for any offense. It hurts chemistry and consistency, and neither quarterback gets the chance to become comfortable.

Before the Nittany Lions hit the heart of their Big Ten schedule, it would be wise to settle on one arm.

The performance by Bolden and McGloin this week could play a major role in that decision.

Can Silas Redd Break out Before Big Ten Play Starts?

Heading into the season, Silas Redd had huge expectations on his shoulders.

Through two weeks of play, Redd has accumulated 169 yards and three touchdowns, averaging five yards per carry.

Redd is as talented a back Penn State has had in a very long time; no doubt about it. He is extremely quick, hits the hole hard, and possesses the power needed to take on bigger players in the open field.

However, Penn State's offensive line has struggled to give Redd running room. Because of this, Redd has not had a breakout game so far this season.

If the Penn State offense ever wants to produce, Redd and the offensive line will need to work together. The passing attack doesn't seem dangerous, which causes teams to stick eight men in the box, daring Redd to beat them on the ground.

Of course, this makes Redd's job more difficult. However, success through the air and success on the ground can go hand in hand.

If Redd can be a constant threat, teams will have to stay up and respect his ability. This allows Matt McGloin, or Rob Bolden, to see less players in coverage.

Redd has the talent, now he needs to use this tune-up game to really hit his stride.

Will the Run Defense Shut Down Bernard Pierce?

Bernard Pierce is Temple's unquestioned offensive star. Therefore, he is the player the Nittany Lions must concern themselves with the most.

So far this season, Pierce has racked up 297 yards and six touchdowns—doing this at almost eight yards a carry.

Pierce is a home run threat, but he also has the size needed to carve out the interior of a defense.

Last week, the Nittany Lions surrendered 111 yards on the ground to Trent Richardson. Granted, Pierce is not Richardson, but if the Nittany Lions give him room to run, he could hurt them just the same.

Controlling the ground game is a major step in becoming an elite team. Stuffing the run goes hand in hand with controlling the clock and wearing down opposing teams.

This may not be as important in Week 3, but as the Penn State schedule rolls along, it will be.

Which Player Has the Most to Prove in Week 3?

An argument could be made that both Matt McGloin and Rob Bolden have the most to prove. However, Bolden has the most potential for the Nittany Lions down the road, and thus, the most to prove.

Offensively, the Nittany Lions struggle no matter who has been behind center. This week, Bolden needs to prove he can change that.

Temple is not a strong defensive team, despite being ranked foutth in scoring defense. Bolden needs to realize this, and allow himself to be successful.

Behind center, Bolden has a habit of looking timid and unsure of himself. Much of this can be attributed to his benching last season, as well as the near-transfer situation over the offseason.

Despite this, Bolden must get his head on straight. He has had plenty of time to learn every nuance of the playbook, and should be comfortable with his receiving targets. Now is the time for Bolden to prove why he was named the starter as a true freshman last season.

If he can, the Nittany Lions' season could start looking up.

Will the Defensive Line Create Pressure on Mike Gerardi?

The Penn State defensive front starts and ends with senior Devon Still.

Last week against Alabama, Still tied his career high with seven tackles. He is a huge presence in the middle for the Nittany Lions' defense. He has the speed and strength needed to play either on the inside or outside of the defensive line.

Still and company need to stop Temple's Bernard Pierce on the ground. They also need to keep Owl quarterback Mike Gerardi uncomfortable in the pocket.

So far this season, Gerardi has thrown for 328 yards and three touchdowns. He is not a dynamic playmaker behind center, but he is a solid game manager. He understands Pierce is his main weapon.

Heading into the season, the pass rush was a major concern for Tom Bradley and the Penn State defense.

Through two weeks, Still has started to realize the potential he entered Happy Valley with. His leadership against the run and pass will be very important in Week 3.

In the coming weeks, the pass rush needs to continue to make strides. If it doesn't, the Big Ten schedule could be grueling for Joe Paterno and company

Key Matchup: Penn State's Front Seven vs. Bernard Pierce

Penn State's defensive success starts and ends with the front seven; Temple's offensive success starts and ends with Bernard Pierce. The winner of this battle will swing momentum greatly in their favor.

"Linebacker U" is Penn State's moniker for a reason, and Michael Mauti, Glenn Carson and Nate Stupar will need to stuff the run and make sure Pierce has no daylight.

On the defensive line, Devon Still and company will need to eat up blocks, and allow Penn State's linebackers to make plays all over the field. As stated earlier, Still has lived up to his potential so far this season, and he will need to continue getting better for the Nittany Lions.

Pierce is a game-breaker playing for a small school. Therefore, he gets little recognition. Don't let that fool you with Pierce. He can, and will, hurt you defensively if allowed. He has power up the middle, but he also has the speed to make players miss in the open field.

If Temple has a glimmer of hope on Saturday, Pierce will need to deliver in a big way.

Penn State's front seven can squash any sunshine for Temple if they keep Pierce bottled up in the backfield.

Penn State Wins If...

If Penn State plays to their potential, they will win this football game. It is that simple.

However, the Nittany Lions need to focus on improving their weaknesses through the course of the game.

Behind center, Rob Bolden or Matt McGloin have to find a rhythm and flow. They must learn to manage the game and limit turnovers. This goes for Week 3, and every week thereafter.

Silas Redd is still looking for a breakout game. He could make that happen against the Owls, and any production from Redd will offset Bernard Pierce.

Meanwhile, Derek Moye, Justin Brown and Shawney Kersey will make plays if given the opportunity by the quarterback. The Penn State receivers are versatile, and all have very different roles in the offense. This will keep defenses off balance if utilized to its full potential.

Defensively, the Nittany Lions must shut down the run. They also must find a consistent pass-rushing threat.

The Penn State secondary has been great so far this season. They need to continue this trend in Week 3.

Sure, Temple is better than they have been in recent years. Yes, Penn State's fate is questionable this season. However, the talent level is not even close, and the score shouldn't be either.

Temple Wins If...

Temple will need a great effort on both sides of the ball to defeat Penn State on Saturday.

Bernard Pierce is going to need to find a way to split the seams of the Penn State defense on a consistent basis. In order for that to happen, Temple's offensive line will need to open up the seams for Pierce to run through.

Mike Gerardi has been consistent thus far for the Owls. He will need to be even more consistent in Week 3. Penn State's best defensive unit is their secondary, and that should cause Gerardi problems all game long.

Temple is improved from their past teams despite the loss of head coach Al Golden to Miami. They have become more acclimated with playing big college programs, and that experience could help them on Saturday.

Upset specials are a hot commodity in college football (and any sport for that matter). Temple will need everything to fall into place Saturday if they want to send the Nittany Lions back to the drawing board.

Prediction

At the end of the day, the Nittany Lions will walk away with a victory in this game. Temple simply does not have the firepower to capitalize on Penn State's early-season question marks.

Home-field advantage could play a role early in this game. However, Penn State fans will likely outnumber Temple faithful. Expect Lincoln Financial Field to be rocking.

Of course, Temple could still grab a win on Saturday. Bernard Pierce could run for over 100 yards, Mike Gerardi could play mistake-free football, and Penn State's quarterback-duo could have a wretched game.

Could all of this happen? Yes. Will all of this happen? Probably not.

Pierce will be the Lions' top priority from start to finish on Saturday, as Tom Bradley knows stopping Pierce in his tracks will likely stop the Owls offense as a whole.

Gerardi will have to deal with a Penn State secondary with playmakers at all positions. That does not sit well for a quarterback used to seeing Akron and Villanova in Weeks 1 and 2.

The most realistic of the three is a wretched game by the Penn State quarterback-duo.

Even with a poor performance behind center however, the Nittany Lions should be fine due to their advantages in most other aspects.

It won't be as easy as Penn State fans hope, but the Nittany Lions will get it done.

Prediction: Penn State 31 Temple 14