The 2015 Marmot Boca Raton Bowl pits Toledo (9-2 in MAC) against No. 24 Temple (10-3 in AAC). These two teams both had big years and should make for a fantastic matchup. For all of the info you need to get ready, read on for the TV schedule, live stream link, betting line, a preview and prediction.
Game Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Channel: ESPN
Location: FAU Stadium, Boca Raton, Fla.
Live Stream: WatchESPN
Betting Line: -3 Temple; 50 O/U
Temple Key Stats:
- Passing Yards Per: 215.5
- Rushing Yards Per: 153.6
- Points Scored Per: 30.8
- Passing Yards Allowed Per: 203.3
- Rushing Yards Allowed Per: 126.2
- Points Allowed Per: 19.2
Toledo Key Stats:
- Passing Yards Per: 250.1
- Rushing Yards Per: 213.2
- Points Scored Per: 35.3
- Passing Yards Allowed Per: 263.3
- Rushing Yards Allowed Per: 115.5
- Points Allowed Per: 21.1
These teams are pretty evenly matched. Against a similar level of Division-I competition, one being from the AAC and the other the MAC, the numbers for these two teams tell the story well.
Clearly, Temple has a stout defense, but Toledo's isn't too bad themselves. Meanwhile, the Rockets offense has been quite explosive all year in both facets of the offensive game, but the Owls' has been relatively efficient themselves.
In this type of game, it's likely to come down to playmakers and who has the better ones. In that regard, I give the edge to Temple.
Defensively, you look at players like LB Tyler Matakevich, DB Sean Chandler or defensive linemen Hasaan Reddick and Nate Smith. Not only is this a stiff defense that makes yards hard to come by, but players like that just know how to make plays, whether it's making a stop in the backfield or taking the ball away. They excel at that. Offensively, don't forget about stud running back Jahad Thomas. He's been their workhorse, and he has the ability to set the pace in this one.
While Toledo isn't just going to let these guys do whatever they want -- as they have guys of their own as well -- Temple simply has the balance of a great football team. Expect them to come out and win a tightly-contested game.
Prediction: Temple 27, Toledo 23
