FACTS & STATS: Site: Doyt L. Perry Stadium (23,529) -- Bowling Green, Ohio. Television: ESPN Regional. Home Record: Temple 0-2, BGSU 0-0. Away Record: Temple 0-1, BGSU 1-1. Neutral Record: Temple 0-0, BGSU 0-0. Conference Record: Temple 0-1, BGSU 0-0. Series Record: Bowling Green leads, 6-3.

GAME NOTES: The Bowling Green Falcons will open their 2007 Mid-American Conference schedule this Saturday afternoon when they host the Temple Owls from Doyt L. Perry Stadium. The Owls are coming off a heartbreaking and controversial, 22-17 setback to Connecticut this past weekend. The Owls have lost all three of their contests this season. In fact, the team has dropped 24 of its last 25 games with the lone win coming against Bowling Green last season. As for the Falcons, they are coming off a much needed bye week. After opening the season with a huge, 32-31 overtime victory over Minnesota, the Falcons played another Big Ten school in Michigan State. However, this time the team suffered a 28-17 loss. Following this week's matchup, the Falcons will host the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. Although the Owls posted a 28-14 victory over BGSU last season, the Falcons still hold a 6-3 edge over Temple in the all-time series.

The Owls are an atrocious offensive unit and head into this contest averaging just 248.7 total ypg, which has led to just 14.3 ppg. A big issue for the Owls has been their ground game, which is accumulating just 75.7 ypg. However, in the recent loss to Connecticut, the Owls actually put forth an impressive ground game, rushing for 189 yards on 39 carries. Jason Harper was tremendous in the contest, rushing for 114 yards and one touchdown on 22 attempts. It was easily the best performance of the season for Harper, who has just 153 rushing yards and two scores on the season. The passing attack was nothing special in the loss, as QB Adam DiMichele completed just 9-of-18 passes for 143 yards and one score. DiMichele also tossed an interception in the loss and was sacked three times. DiMichele has had a lackluster season thus far and comes into this game with just 502 yards and three touchdowns against five interceptions. The Owls did seem to have the game in hand last week after what appeared to be a late touchdown, but it was ruled out of bounds, even after a replay clearly showed the receiver in bounds in the end zone.

Temple's defensive unit has been simply abysmal in the first three games, allowing 31.3 ppg, while surrendering 410.3 total ypg. The biggest problem for this unit has come against the run, as the team is being abused for a whopping 247.0 ypg on the ground. Although the Owls suffered a tough loss to UConn, the unit had its best performance against the run, holding the Huskies to just 156 yards on 49 attempts (3.2 ypc). The defense also forced one turnover and recorded an impressive six sacks. Unfortunately, the team struggled inside its own 20-yard line, allowing the Huskies to convert on all three of their red zone chances. Amara Kamara collected 10 tackles in the contest and now has a team-best 28 stops on the year.

The Falcons are obviously a one-dimensional offense, averaging 353.5 passing ypg, while rushing for only 73.5 ypg. In the recent setback to Michigan State, the Falcons total 342 yards, but the majority of that yardage came via the pass. Quarterback Tyler Sheehan completed 32-of-50 pass attempts for BGSU and finished the game with one touchdown. The signal-caller also tossed two interceptions in the setback and was sacked seven times. After two games, Sheehan has completed over 60 percent of his attempts and has 683 passing yards, but that goes along with just three scores and two INTs. Fred Barnes has been the go-to guy in the receiving corps, as the sophomore is currently leading the squad with 15 receptions and 179 yards. Unfortunately, the team has had very little success on the ground this year. Chris Bullock is the main tailback for BGSU, but has just 48 rushing yards on the year.

The Falcons' problem offensively is also their main struggle defensively, as opponents are currently producing a whopping 194.0 rushing ypg. Overall the defense is surrendering 413 total yards per contest, which has led to 29.9 ppg. In the recent setback to Michigan State, the Falcons allowed 142 rushing yards and the unit was also torched through the air, as MSU threw for 250 yards as well. Bowling Green did force three turnovers in the contest, but finished the game with just one sack. The defense also allowed the Spartans to collect 20 first downs and convert 4-of-7 red zone chances. John Haneline was sensational in the loss, as the linebacker grabbed 10 tackles to go along with one sack and one forced fumble.

As mentioned earlier, Temple has just one win in its last 25 games and it came against this Bowling Green squad a year ago. Expect the Falcons to come out refreshed after enjoying a week of rest, as they fly right past the Owls.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Bowling Green 35, Temple 10