Villanova @ Temple preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 9, 2017 ) Villanova 13, Temple 16

For the second straight year, Temple will host Villanova in its home opener. This time around, the Owls are hoping for a smoother performance when the Philadelphia rivals collide Saturday.

In last season's matchup, Temple led 13-0 before giving up 13 straight points, although a late field goal by Aaron Boumerhi allowed the Owls to escape with a three-point victory. Temple won three of its final four contests to become bowl-eligible last season and then capped its campaign by defeating Florida International in the Gasparilla Bowl. Frank Nutile threw for 254 yards and a touchdown in that one and, in fact, he enters the 2018 opener with a streak of six straight games of at least 200 passing yards and one score. Villanova is ranked 19th in the FCS poll and aims to present problems for Temple for the second straight season.

TV: Noon ET. LINE: None

ABOUT VILLANOVA (2017: 5-6): After 10 winning seasons in its previous 11 campaigns, Villanova slipped to 5-6 last season as injuries hammered the Wildcats following a 4-2 start. Villanova returns 17 players who have played in at least 20 games, including 16 returning starters from last season. Zach Bednarczyk suffered a season-ending injury a month into the 2017 season, but the senior quarterback is eager to build off his strong start a year ago (1,068 passing yards, six TDs, no interceptions before getting hurt).

ABOUT TEMPLE (2017: 7-6): Senior back Ryquell Armstead is looking to match his sophomore year statistics (5.9 yards per carry, 14 rushing TDs) after averaging 3.9 yards per carry and finding the end zone only five times last year. Ventrell Bryant also watched his numbers sag as a junior, but his sophomore statistics (54 catches, 895 yards) offer a glimpse of his potential. Junior receiver Isaiah Wright scored in five different ways last season (receiving, rushing, passing, kick return, punt return) and will certainly be a focus of the Villanova defense this weekend.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The all-time series is tied 16-16-2.

2. Armstead is one touchdown away from moving into fourth place on the Owls' all-time list.

3. Temple has won four straight meetings with Villanova, matching its best streak ever versus the Wildcats.

PREDICTION: Villanova 22, Temple 19