Temple’s running game needs to step up against Buffalo

In trying to rebound from last week's 19-17 loss to Villanova, the Owls tried to use a car analogy.

"A car windshield is big for a reason and the rearview mirror is small for a reason," running back Ryquell Armstead said earlier this week. "You can't look back. Have to stay on the bigger picture and look forward."

There is a good reason why the Owls, especially Armstead, don't want to look back. Temple averaged just 2.1 yards per carry.

With so much attention paid to the explosive Buffalo offense and quarterback Tyree Jackson, who threw six touchdown passes in last week's 48-10 opening win over Delaware State, this is a game in which the Temple offense will have to show significant improvement.

Even though Temple has an offense that relies more heavily on the pass, the Owls are always more successful when Armstead plays a significant role.

Last week he rushed for 31 yards on 14 carries.

While one of the reasons is that the offensive line didn't have a great game, Armstead is also capable of more.

Armstead was both confident and defiant when asked if he had an explanation for last week's per-carry rushing average.

"I don't need an explanation," he said. "We will get it together."

The running game would take some of the pressure off quarterback Frank Nutile, who seemed to be pressing against Villanova, unlike last year when he went 4-2 once he earned the starting job.

Nutile completed 18 of 32 for 185 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions.

With the way Buffalo can put up points, there will be more pressure on the Temple offense to produce.

Temple coach Geoff Collins said there was too much miscommunication on offense, especially with the linemen.

"When we got negative plays, there was no communication," Collins said. "Give Villanova credit, they have a very unique scheme that poses problems for teams in general and posed problems for us as well."

As for Temple's defense, there were too many missed assignments last week. Villanova frequently had receivers wide-open, especially tight end Ryan Bell, who had nine receptions for 81 yards and a score.

While Jackson and the Buffalo receivers, led by 6-foot-2, 210-pound All-America candidate Anthony Johnson get most of the attention, Temple can't sleep on tight end Tyler Mabry (6-3, 265). He is on the Mackey Award watch list for top tight ends in the country.

>> READ MORE: Owls get to deal with QB Tyree Jackson and his deep throws

Last year he started 12 games and caught only 24 passes for 242 yards and one touchdown. But if so much attention is paid to the receivers, he could be a factor.

Buffalo coach Lance Leipold, naturally expects to see a different Temple team. If he doesn't, it won't bode well for the Owls.

"Temple is big, strong and athletic," Leipold said during the Mid-American Conference media call on Monday. "I know Temple is disappointed with the outcome [against Villanova], but that will be a well-prepared, motivated football team."

And one presumably only looking ahead.