Temple @ UCF preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 16, 2013 ) Central Florida 39, Temple 36

Brimming with confidence and boasting a four-game winning streak, Central Florida hopes to continue building momentum in league play when it hosts Temple on Saturday. The Knights have long forgotten a quick two-game skid to open the season and are neck-and-neck with East Carolina for first place in the American Athletic Conference. The improved Owls won’t be a pushover for UCF, but they will have to figure out a way to bounce back after a 21-point loss to Houston last week.

Coach Matt Rhule appeared ahead of schedule in the Owls’ rebuilding project when they opened with four wins in five games, including two league victories. But reality hit against the Cougars, who rolled up 439 yards in a 31-10 whitewash. Sophomore P.J. Walker, with 1,358 yards and 10 touchdowns, quickly has developed into a leader at quarterback for Rhule, but Temple's deficiencies in the running game could prove costly against a proven Knights defense.

TV: 5 p.m. ET, CBSSN. LINE: Central Florida -9.5.

ABOUT TEMPLE (4-2, 2-1 AAC): The Owls have not been able to keep up a strong start on defense, allowing a total of 55 points and 877 yards over the last two games. After giving up 10 points or fewer in three of its first four games, including a 37-7 win over Vanderbilt, Temple’s defense has struggled to get off the field and has worn down in the fourth quarter. In a 35-24 win over Tulsa, as well as against Houston, Rhule’s defense was on the field for more than 39 minutes.

ABOUT CENTRAL FLORIDA (4-2, 2-0): Quarterback Justin Holman quickly has become adept at taking what the opponent gives him. At times, like in a 326-yard, two-touchdown effort versus BYU, he has thrown caution to the wind and taken to the air. Other times, like in a 113-yard, one-score performance against Tulane, he has turned into game manager and allowed that stout Knights defense to take over - a unit that forced three turnovers in a 17-12 win over Houston on Oct. 4.


EXTRA POINTS

1. Central Florida posted a 39-36 victory over Temple in Philadelphia last season and is 6-5 all-time against teams from Pennsylvania.

2. The Knights are 10-0 in league play since the conference opened up competition last year.

3. Temple S Alex Wells returned from injury last week to lead the Owls with 10 tackles and is expected to start again versus the Knights.

PREDICTION: Central Florida 35, Temple 19.