PonyFans.com is proud to welcome back, for his third season as a columnist, Nate, who is 15 years old, in ninth grade, might want to be a sports writer and knows more about football than a lot of people who already make their living covering sports. He will offer his thoughts and will preview each game throughout the season, looking at a key player, matchup or statistic that could prove relevant in each upcoming game … and explain why it will impact the outcome. Feel free to post comments and constructive criticism, ask him questions, and/or give suggestions for upcoming columns! (He can be followed on Twitter at @Pony_NATE_tion.)

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Temple linebacker Tyler Matakevich (photo by owlsports.com).

The Temple Owls come to Gerald J. Ford Stadium Friday with a record of 7-1. The Owls are one of the more surprising teams in the country after what has been an amazing turnaround under head coach Matt Rhule. Temple has proved its worth after nearly knocking off a potential college football playoff team in Notre Dame in what was an electric atmosphere at Lincoln Financial Field. Expect Temple to come in motivated and excited after the 24-20 loss to the Irish.

The No. 23 Owls play a very old-school style of football with one of the best defenses in the nation, giving up just 15 points per game (ranking ninth in the country). Temple’s defense is led by senior linebacker Tyler Matakevich, whose 433 career tackles are the most among players from all Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) teams, and is one of just three players in Temple history with three seasons with at least 100 tackles. The Owls’ defense is very good, and could shut down SMU’s offense, which has sputtered at times the last few weeks.

Temple’s offensive attack isn’t anything special, but they’re not bad either (the Owls average 339.5 total yards and 30.8 points per game). Quarterback P.J. Walker is what he is: another bus driver-type quarterback who doesn’t make mistakes, but isn’t a huge threat. Yes, he threw for four touchdowns and ran for another the last time these two teams met (SMU’s 59-49 victory two years ago), but this year, he is averaging 187.8 passing yards and has thrown 10 touchdowns (and four interceptions) in Temple’s eight games. The Owls’ main weapon is running back Jahad Thomas, who has 904 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. Thomas averages about five yards per carry, and could prove to be the key for SMU’s defense — if the Mustangs stop Thomas, then Temple will have to lean on its mediocre passing attack. SMU needs a big day from guys up front like defensive ends Justin Lawler and Andrew McCleneghen, who rank first and second on the team, respectively, in sacks.

Temple’s defense is really good and SMU’s offense against Temple’s defense is going to be a great matchup. If SMU can hold on to the ball and give its defense some rest, the Mustangs might have a chance to pull off what would be a huge upset and give head coach Chad Morris his first signature win at SMU. Last week against Tulsa, quarterback Matt Davis rediscovered Courtland Sutton, who had two great touchdown catches where he simply went up and got the ball and beat his man in one-on-one coverage. I was sitting in the front row on the corner of the end zone where Sutton caught his first touchdown. The 6-4 Sutton was able to use his height advantage to bully the smaller cornerback.

This game will come down to which defense can make the most stops. Logic would suggest that Temple will do that, so SMU’s defense needs to have its best game. The Mustangs’ defense hasn’t been very consistent, and it needs a big game. I like Temple because the Owls are a better all-around team. Temple will beat SMU, 38-14.