FACTS & STATS: Site: Michie Stadium (40,000) -- West Point, New York. Television: ESPN Classic. Home Record: Temple 0-0, Army 0-0. Away Record: Temple 0-0, Army 0-0. Neutral Record: Temple 0-0, Army 0-0. Conference Record: Temple 0-0, Army 0-0. Series Record: Army leads, 4-1.

GAME NOTES: The 2008 season kicks off for a pair of teams seeking quick starts, as the Temple Owls come to West Point for a clash with the Army Black Knights. Al Golden's Temple club is coming off a 4-8 season, with all four victories coming in Mid-American Conference play. It was the most wins by the Owls since 2002 and matched their win total from each of the previous four seasons combined. The four league wins was the most in conference for Temple in 40 years. Temple hasn't won its season opener since 2002. Army had another tough season in 2007, going just 3-9. The Black Knights, under the direction of second-year head coach Stan Brock, are currently riding a six-game losing streak and haven't won a season opener since 1996. Army has however, enjoyed a modicum of success at home recently, winning seven of its last 12 in front of the West Point faithful. Army beat Temple last year, 37-21, to take a 4-1 lead in the all-time series. The Owls' lone win came at Michie Stadium back in 1994, 23-20.

The Owls posted an anemic 16.4 ppg in 2007, but with every starter from the offense returning they should show vast improvement. Progress begins up front, and over the past few seasons the line has been Temple's biggest weakness. However, it could be the team's strength this year, highlighted by senior center Alex Derenthal. The running backs stand to benefit the most from having an experienced line in front of them. The Owls haven't averaged more than three yards per carry in any of the past three seasons, but with talent in the backfield, coach Golden has options. With last year's leading rusher, Justin Harper (586 yards and five TDs) making the move to wide receiver, the door opens for Marquise Liverpool, who ironically will be making the transition from WR to RB. Harper will likely join Michael Campbell, Bruce Francis, Travis Shelton and Dy'Onne Crudup as QB Adam DiMichele's top targets down field. Francis was one of the most consistent players on the field for Temple last season, and could become one of the top receivers in the MAC this year. As for DiMichele, he is the main cog in the TU offensive machine. Now a senior, the 6-1, 205-pound signal caller completed 61.9 percent of his passes last year, but a lack of protection left him vulnerable at times.

Just like the offense, the Temple defense has all 11 starters back for another go. The front line allowed 165 rushing ypg last season, and while that is far from acceptable, it is an improvement from the two previous seasons when the team was gutted for more than 200 ypg on the ground. The Owls have experience and toughness up front for the first time in a few years. Junior Galette is the anchor, and is coming off a solid campaign in which he collected 7.5 sacks. The linebacking corps is led by standout sophomore Amara Kamara. Kamara, who started all 12 games last year, should continue to blossom into one of the most productive linebackers in the MAC. The secondary is the most experienced group of the TU defense, and SS Dominique Harris is the heart and soul of the unit. Harris is fresh off an 81-tackle season and he should once again be the top defensive player for Temple, and he could wind up being one of the top safeties in the MAC.

Coach Brock wants to go back to the option, which may not be a bad idea considering the more traditional pro set hasn't produced many wins for the Black Knights of late. They certainly have the personnel, with a bunch of RBs but not many proven receivers. Carson Williams will start the season under center, though he will need to prove that he's got a good grasp of the new offense. Last year, after assuming the starting role in week two, Williams guided an Army offense that ranked 95th in passing. He also threw more interceptions (12) than touchdowns (11). For his career, he's thrown 16 TDs and 22 INTs. If for no other reason than the design of the offense, the running game has nowhere to go but up after ranking 111th in the nation last season. Army fans remember fondly senior Tony Dace's 104-yard effort against Navy, the best single-game rushing performance by an Army back in the last three years. Sophomore Patrick Mealy (94 carries, 302 yards) had a couple of bland starts last year, though he figures to be in the mix again. The most notable departure is Jeremy Trimble, the school's all-time leader in catches, receiving yards and touchdowns. Senior Mike Wright, with all of 21 career catches, is the most experienced pass catcher on this year's roster. If his nagging hamstring injury is no longer an issue, speedster Damion Hunter figures to see plenty of action.

The Black Knights last year allowed 423 ypg, and they ranked 117th in run defense (233 ypg). The most notable returnee is junior DT Ted Bentler (6-2, 280), an Iowa transfer who logged a team-high three sacks in 2007. Defensive tackle Mike Gann (6-2, 270) also saw plenty of time, as did DEs Victor Ugenyi (6-3, 253) and Nicholas Emmons (6-4, 250). Senior Frank Scappaticci (6-1, 224) heads the linebacking corps. Scappaticci had 89 tackles (six TFL) in 12 starts last year. One of the unit's rising stars is SAM LB John Plumstead (5-10, 222), who amassed 43 tackles (6.5 TFL) and two sacks despite not cracking the starting lineup until late in the season. If the defensive line isn't able to apply some pressure, the inexperienced secondary will once again be left out on an island. Penciled in as starters on the corners are sophomore Jordan Trimble, younger brother of Jeremy, and junior Mario Hill. The Black Knights will be breaking in two new starters at the safety positions.

This is a good first test for both teams as they appear to be evenly matched. Give the edge to the more experienced Owls who would love nothing better than to get out of the gate with a solid road win.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Temple 35, Army 28