Fordham @ Temple preview

Temple seeks its first victory of the season against visiting Fordham on Saturday in a matchup that could make-or-break the season for both programs. Owls starting quarterback Connor Reilly's status is unclear after he suffered a knee injury in the fourth quarter of Temple's loss to Houston in the inaugural American Athletic Conference contest last week. Rams quarterback Matt Nebrich is a dual-threat who has been responsible for 42 points in the first two contests.

Turnovers will be key in this FBS-FCS clash, which is the first meeting between the programs since 1953. Temple's mistakes (two interceptions, one fumble lost) were costly against Houston, but Fordham's five fumble recoveries against FCS foe Villanova last week fueled the Rams' first victory over the Wildcats since 1920. The Rams did not commit a turnover against the No. 8 Wildcats.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, ESPN3. LINE: None

ABOUT FORDHAM (2-0): Nebrich, a Connecticut transfer in 2012, has completed 71.7 percent of his passes for 457 yards and four touchdowns, and rushed for 133 yards and three TDs. Senior Carlton Koonce leads the Rams' running game with 86.5 yards per game after setting the school's single-season rushing mark in 2012. The Rams have only outgained opponents 389.5-382.5 in total offense, but have posted a 14-point scoring margin of victory.

ABOUT TEMPLE (0-2, 0-1 AAC): Backup quarterback and former starter Clinton Granger appeared for only one play against Houston, but could see action if Reilly is not healthy. The Owls mustered just 9.5 points per game in losses to Notre Dame and Houston, a scoring offense which ranks tied for fourth-worst in the nation. Temple's red zone defense ranks 14th in FBS as the Owls have allowed just two touchdowns in 10 opponent attempts.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Temple first-year coach Matt Rhule is seeking his first program victory.

2. Fordham coach Joe Moorhead inherited a team that posted a 1-10 record in 2011, and guided the Rams to a 6-5 mark last year - the second-best turnaround in FCS in 2012.

3. The Rams shut out the Owls 28-0 at the Polo Grounds in New York City in the last meeting.

PREDICTION: Temple 41, Fordham 21