Temple @ Maryland preview

THE STORY: Steve Addazio has his work cut out for him trying to find a quarterback in his first season at Temple. Fellow first-year coach Randy Edsall is very confident in Maryland sophomore Danny O’Brien despite his poor performance against rival West Virginia.

The massive disparity under center could be the difference on Saturday when Terrapins try for a seventh straight win over the visiting Owls.

Mike Gerardi’s second interception led to the game-winning score in Temple’s 14-10 loss to rival Penn State last week. Meanwhile, Maryland nearly rallied from a 24-point deficit against the Mountaineers, but O’Brien’s third interception sealed a 37-31 loss.

The Terrapins have won all six meetings, including a 38-7 rout in 2005. Ironically, Temple’s only win over a BCS opponent in the past 11 years came at Edsall’s expense when the Owls knocked off Connecticut, 30-16, in Philadelphia last year.

TV: ACC Network. LINE: Maryland – 8.5

ABOUT MARYLAND (1-1): The Terrapins’ offense (488 ypg, 17th in FBS) has thrived while running first-year offensive coordinator Gary Crowton’s no-huddle attack. Maryland ran 87 plays – its most in nearly three years - and racked up 477 yards against West Virginia.

ABOUT TEMPLE (2-1): The Owls have a future pro in junior RB Bernard Pierce (347 yards, seven touchdowns), but teams continue to stack the box against him. Pierce received just four carries in the second half against Penn State. The combination of Gerardi and Chester Stewart (12-of-28, 123 yards) couldn’t capitalize on opportunities in the passing game.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Terrapins are averaging 38 points over their last eight home games.

2. Maryland is one of five FBS teams yet to allow a sack (Boise State, Texas A&M, UAB and Middle Tennessee State).

3. Temple averages four sacks per game – the eighth best mark in the nation.

PREDICTION: Maryland 23, Temple 13 – The Owls’ stingy defense will keep it close, but Temple will continue to lose tight games until it finds an answer at quarterback.