The Anti-Preview: Notre Dame At Temple

The Anti-Preview is back after a hiatus over the past few weeks. A point could be made that correlates this years Notre Dame football team, and the birth of our third child this past week- but then we would be just making crap up as we go along.

If you think about it, Brian Kelly and Notre Dame have been doing exactly that, and the exact opposite of that all season long. Brian Kelly has a plan. He is extremely organized and runs a tight ship. However, not even Kelly could have foreseen all of the injuries that the Irish have had to face this season. All he has done, is manage a football team that lost its starting quarterback, starting running back, and starting defensive tackle (along with other key losses) to a 6-1 record and a #9 ranking while putting the Irish n position to land a playoff spot.

Well played sir. The second half of the season is upon us and it starts with…

TEMPLE

Oct 17, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Temple Owls linebacker Tyler Matakevich (8) warms up prior to a game against the UCF Knights at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

The Temple Owls have been one of the feel good stories of the 2015 season thus far. The Owls are 7-0 and ranked #21 in the country. Head Coach Matt Rhule can COACH and I already feel bad for the Temple program as there is no way he lasts in Philadelphia another year or two as many Power Five schools will be looking for a new coach.

Yes, Temple has an impressive record as it has zero losses, but let’s be honest here… Temple isn’t THAT good. The Owl offense is a bit more than dreary. They rank in the 90’s in both passing offense and rushing offense, and in multiple wins this year, Temple was outgained by a long shot in total yards.

The Owls do possess a stingy defense led by linebacker Tyler Matakevich (who honestly looks like Notre Dame’s mascot on steroids). But, again, if we are being honest… they have played basically no one and their cousin.

Notre Dame and Temple have one common opponent thus far; UMass. Temple won with a last minute field goal 25-22, while the Irish curb stomped the Minutemen 62-27 while sleepwalking in the first half.

WHAT SHOULD YOU BE DRINKING?

While PhillyMag.com would have you believe that  a drink called The Philly Flyer is the official drink of Philadelphia, I have it under good authority, that the official is actually known as the Citywide Special; 1 PBR & 1 shot of Jim Beam that was made famous at Bob And Barbara’s. GOD BLESS THAT TOWN!

WHAT SHOULD YOU BE EATING?

No way in hell are we going the easy route here with a cheese steak. Nope. No damned way. It wasn’t in the 150th Anniversary cookbook for St. Mary’s- so there.

WHAT SHOULD YOU BE WEARING?

Something about Philly is just screaming WEAR SOMETHING LIKE THIS. Old and forgotten- but i didn’t forget you Philly, you wonderful bastard.

MVP’S

There is really only one possible choice here and it’s obvious… Big Bill Fuller (heart you Solid Verbal). It’s not obvious to most outsiders (which is INSANE), but Fuller is a dominant force capable of unleashing hell upon his opponents at any given time. I expect and DEMAND no less than 130+ yards receiving and 2 or more touchdowns. It’s that simple.

AT THE END OF THE NIGHT…

Notre Dame is a contender for the playoffs and in turn a real contender for the national championship. Temple is a contender for the American Conference championship. There might be a small difference there. I may seem like I am overlooking Temple a bit, but in reality- well I’m just keeping it real. temple is not on the same level as this Notre Dame team, and even though I usually show a wee bit more respect, the Irish are in a position now to make teams earn any respect. I’m sorry but I’m not sorry. Notre Dame makes this College Gameday trip a forgettable one as they should and will beat up on the Owls all night. Irish win big.