Saturday, Sept. 2 - 2 p.m. ET
Lincoln Financial Field - Philadelphia, PA
ESPN+
Both Akron and Temple begin 2023 not only looking for more wins, but expecting to get them. Each school feels like the pieces are there to improve; just how much is the question. Saturday, then, is the first chance to see how those pieces are meshing.
Akron went 2-10 last year, with a 10-game losing streak separating its two wins. Temple, meanwhile, won two of its first four games but recorded just one more victory over the final eight contests.
Here's more on the two teams . . .
>> The Owls were picked 10th of 14 American Conference teams in a 2023 preseason media day poll.
>> While the Owls were hammered by Central Florida 70-13 for one of their losses, they nearly knocked off Big Ten member Rutgers in a 16-14 loss.
>> E.J. Warner, son of former NFL standout Kurt Warner ,returns after completing 60.5 percent of his passes as a freshman. The 268 completions yielded 2,028 yards with 18 TDs and 12 interceptions. With a year in the system, coaches hope he can continue to produce while cutting down on the picks.
>> Leading receiver Jose Barbon is gone, but junior Amad Anderson is back after catching 38 balls for 479 yards with four TDs in 2022. Dante Wright (5-9, 180, JR) is a transfer (Colorado State) who could be part of the wideout mix. Several other candidates battled through spring and fall for time/position.
>> Senior tight ends David Martin-Robinson and Jordan Smith are back. They combined for 61 catches, 712 yards and six scores.
>> Three starters return up front on a line that held up pretty well in pass protection. Generating more run production is one of the goals for this year. The 2022 Owls' ground game ranked 128th nationally.
>> Temple was 94th nationally in scoring defense, allowing 29.2 ppg. The Owls were 111th against the run, surrendering 192.6 ypg. However, UT was 24th in pass defense (198.6 ypg).
>> Sacks were a strong point last year. The Owls lost DE Darian Varner (Wisconsin), but return a very strong linebacking group. Jordan Magee, Layton Jordan and Yvandy Rigby combined for 221 tackles and 33 TFL.
>> Safety Alex Odum recorded 75 hits in 2022. Sophomore Jalen McMurray returns at one corner.
AKRON ZIPS
For full season preview, click HERE
SPECIAL TEAMS
>> Senior Camden Price connected on 13-of-14 field goal attempts in 2022. Freshman Dante Atton moves into the punting spot.
FINAL THOUGHTS
There is plenty of work yet to do for both programs. Given the Owls problems against the run last year, UA might want to test those waters. If Irons is healthy, it will be easy enough to mix in passes.
Warner, meanwhile, has proven a capable passer. However, he doesn't have Iron's mobility. If Akron can apply pressure on him, it will further help a secondary that fields some experienced talent.