Buffalo @ Temple preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 15, 2011 ) Buffalo 0, Temple 34

Temple's season got off to a disappointing start, but the Owls have little time to sulk. Temple returns to the field Saturday against visiting Buffalo aiming to avoid an 0-2 start.

The Owls were upended by local rival Villanova - an FCS program - in Week 1, suffering a 19-17 defeat as Frank Nutile was picked off on the team's final two possessions. Ryquell Armstead and the Temple rushing attack struggled to the tune of 22 carries for 46 yards, while the Owls' secondary allowed three touchdown passes as the team was outgained 405-251. Nutile finished 18-of-32 with a touchdown and those two late picks and expects a crisper performance this weekend. “I missed way too many throws and threw two picks,” Nutile told media members after the game. “I put us in a bad position to win the game and that’s why we lost.”

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET. LINE: Temple -4.5

ABOUT BUFFALO (1-0): The Bulls led 34-3 at halftime against FCS foe Delaware State last weekend and allowed only one touchdown - a meaningless score midway through the fourth quarter en route to a 48-10 win. Tyree Jackson threw six touchdown passes, including two apiece to George Rushing and K.J. Osborn, while the Bulls played turnover-free football in a crisp season opener. Buffalo also had to be pleased with its defense, which limited Delaware State to 76 passing yards and a respectable 3.7 yards per carry on more than 50 rushing attempts.

ABOUT TEMPLE (0-1): The Owls need Armstead to step up after the senior running back was limited to 31 yards on 14 carries, especially since Nutile is a non-threat on the ground. Ventell Bryant, who will likely become the Owls' all-time leading receiver later this season, caught five passes for 56 yards in the opener. Branden Mack led the way for Temple with seven catches for 78 yards, while fellow receiver Isaiah Wright registered the team's only offensive touchdown in Week 1.

EXTRA POINTS

1. In the last two meetings, Temple has outscored Buffalo 76-0.

2. The Owls are aiming to avoid losing back-to-back non-conference games for the first time since 2013.

3. Temple DE Quincy Roche will be a focus of Buffalo's special teams unit after blocking two kicks last week.

PREDICTION: Temple 31, Buffalo 28