The Temple Owls (1-4) travel to play the Connecticut Huskies (3-2) on Saturday, Oct. 5.
The game kicks off at 3:30 p.m. ET and can be seen live on CBS Sports Network.
UConn is favored in the contest by 16.5 points, with the total set at 50.5 So, where does the betting value lie in this Group of Five clash on Saturday afternoon?
Let's dive into my Temple vs UConn predictions and college football picks for Saturday, Oct. 5.
Temple vs UConn Picks, Prediction
My UConn vs Temple best bet is on the Huskies to cover the 17-point spread at bet365.
- Temple vs UConn Pick: UConn -18
Temple vs UConn Odds, Spread, Lines
Temple Odds | ||
---|---|---|
Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+18 -110 | 50 -110o / -110u | +575 |
UConn Odds | ||
---|---|---|
Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-18 -110 | 50 -110o / -110u | -850 |
- Temple vs UConn Point Spread: UConn -18 (-110)
- Temple vs UConn Over/Under: 50 Points
- Temple vs UConn Moneyline: Temple +575 · UConn -800
Temple Football vs UConn Football Preview
Temple Owls Betting Preview: Injury Issues
Temple enters after another tough loss, as the Owls couldn’t get anything going last week.
The Owl defense was no match for Army’s dynamic rushing attack, which amassed 417 rushing yards at 7.3 YPC. Containing the run has been a big issue for Temple.
Even worse, Temple quarterback Evan Simon was hurt in the Army game and is listed as day-to-day — he hasn’t participated in throwing sessions this week.
He and fellow quarterback Forrest Brock are both nursing injuries and are unlikely to play on Saturday.
Brock started the season as the starting quarterback, but the offense struggled behind him, averaging seven points and 14 first downs per game against Oklahoma and Navy. The switch to Simon sparked the offense, as the Owls looked much better in a loss to Coastal Carolina and an upset win over Utah State.
Temple will likely start third-string redshirt freshman quarterback Tyler Douglas. That’ll be rough on an offense that ranks sub-100th in EPA per Rush — the Owls average 82 rushing yards per game at 2.6 YPC.
Connecticut Huskies Betting Preview: The Two-Quarterback System
UConn has strung together several solid performances, including last week’s dismantling of Buffalo, 47-3.
The Huskies' defense shut down the opposition for the second consecutive week, holding Buffalo to 198 yards and 12 first downs. UConn raced out to a 23-0 lead and never looked back.
UConn’s rushing attack has been rock solid, as the Huskies have amassed 678 yards at over six YPC over the past two weeks. They’re running the ball over 60% of the time, and it’s working.
UConn has been running a two-quarterback system with Joe Fagnano and Nick Evers. The two have combined to go 70-for-129 passing with 1,077 yards and 12 touchdowns.
How To Make College Football Picks For My Temple vs UConn Prediction
I’m laying it with UConn.
The Huskies ground attack should roll over Temple’s front seven, which ranks 95th nationally in Rush Explosiveness allowed.
To make matters worse, Temple’s defense has struggled with allowing explosive plays, something Fagnano, Evans and Co. should take advantage of on Saturday.
The Owls' lack of experienced quarterback play will make things tough for them, especially when considering how much Havoc they allow — specifically, 17 sacks in five games, including seven last week against an undersized Army front.
And the Temple run game can’t be counted on to relieve any pressure.
Since a poor showing against Maryland, UConn’s rush defense has stepped up. The Huskies have allowed just 120 rush yards per game at 3.8 YPC over the past four weeks.
UConn is finding its stride, and Temple is searching for answers. A third-string quarterback behind a poor offensive line on the road is a recipe for disaster. The ground game is a tough watch. The defense can’t earn stops.
I can’t see Temple keeping it close.
Pick: UConn -18 (-110, bet365)
How to Watch Temple vs UConn Live: Streaming, Channel, Time
Location: | Pratt and Whitney Stadium, East Hartford, CT |
Date: | Saturday, Oct. 5 |
Kickoff Time: | 3:30 p.m. ET |
TV / Streaming: | CBS Sports Network |
UConn vs Temple Betting Trends
- Temple is 1-4 SU but 2-3 ATS
- UConn is 3-2 SU but 4-1 ATS