Ohio Bobcats at Temple Owls
Tuesday, 11/16/10, 8:00 PM EDT, TV: ESPN2
Opening Point Spread: Temple -7.5
Current Betting Line: Temple -8
Opening Total: 44.5
Current Total: 44.5
Current Moneyline: Temple -325 / Ohio +275
Ohio has won six consecutive games to boost its record to 7-3 overall and 5-1 in MAC play, but many players have had this game circled for months. One of those players is senior quarterback Boo Jackson, who is listed as a game-time decision due to a concussion he received during a brawl at an Athens bar on November 5. “I feel great, I feel 100 percent,” Jackson stated. “But I understand the concern. I’ve passed all the concussion tests so far.” He certainly gives the Bobcats their best chance to win in facing a team that hasn’t allowed an offensive touchdown in three games. Ohio has won seven consecutive road games in MAC play, with the last won coming at tonight’s venue, in 2008 by a score of 14-10. The team is 5-1 ATS against conference opponents this year and the college football lines page has them as more than a touchdown underdog.
The Bobcats success this year can certainly be traced back to ranking second nationally with a 77.78 percent touchdown rate in the red-zone, along with having the 21st-best defense against the run, giving up just 115.9 yards per game. Ohio’s defense has also upped its performance against the pass recently as well, tallying 15 sacks in the past three games, after registering just eight in their first seven games. A major factor in this game that may get overlooked by many is the punting game, with the Bobcats ranking 38th nationally in punt returns, while the Owls rank 110th in punting. With the possibility of playing without its starting quarterback, the offensive line may play a key role, being on pace to allow just 12 sacks this season.
Temple has finally arrived at a game its been waiting for all year and seems poised to avenge last year’s 35-17 loss to Ohio, a loss that cost the Owls the 2009 MAC East Division crown. The Owls have won 16 of their last 20 games overall and have won at least eight games in back-to-back seasons. The team is running on all cylinders since head coach Al Golden pulled struggling quarterback Chester Stewart and inserted redshirt sophomore Mike Gerardi. In three-plus games since replacing Stewart, Gerardi has completed 54-of-81 passes for 871 yards, with eight interceptions and four interceptions. Temple is 6-3 ATS on the season and 5-4 ATS in November the past two-plus seasons.
The Owls will play the Bobcats in a non-Saturday game for the fourth consecutive year, with this being the second straight year that the game has significance in the MAC East title race. Since joining the MAC in 2007, Temple owns the league’s best home record in MAC games at 13-2. The team is 5-0 at Lincoln Financial Field this fall and one game away from its first perfect season at the venue. The Owls have 10 unbeaten home seasons in its history.
Bettors will be interested in knowing that the Bobcats are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 road games, while the Owls are 8-1-1 ATS in their last 10 games as a favorite of 3.5 to 10 points.
The college football handicappers at Maddux Sports are gearing up for another great week of picks on the gridiron. Don’t miss out and get their plays today!
