Five Questions: Oklahoma vs. Temple
Welcome to Five Questions, a weekly article featuring insights from experts on the Oklahoma Sooners’ upcoming opponents. For the debut edition, Payton Guthrie talked with Ryan Mack, sports editor of The Temple News, about what to expect from the Temple Owls in the kickoff to OU’s season on Friday night.
Five Questions: Oklahoma vs. Temple
Payton Guthrie - Temple’s outlook on the 2024 season?
Ryan Mack - Temple is heading into the season behind the eight-ball, at least in my opinion. Head coach Stan Drayton has spoken about how Temple is more so focused on proving themselves right and not trying to prove the doubters wrong at all. They haven't won a road game all season, and I don't see how that changes this year, especially on Friday against the Sooners. They head into the year having not named a starter, something that won't be announced until Friday when they trot onto the field. I think the main outlook is just to see improvement in the third year under this coach – they can't have another 3-9 season and they have to finally pick up a victory away from the Linc.
Payton Guthrie - What will Temple try to do on offense to take advantage of a senior-led Sooners defense?
Ryan Mack - They are going to try to run the ball effectively against the Sooners. The Owls brought in some much-needed depth at the running back position. Antwain Littleton brings a power back that they haven't had in recent years, and then Joquez Smith is a little scat back that is quick on his feet and can make good cuts. I expect them to really lean on them throughout the night. I also see them leaning on the quick passing game on Friday, even though I'm not really sure how much success they will have. Look out for Antonio Jones, Zae Baines and John Adam to get involved early.
Payton Guthrie - What will Temple need to do on defense to slow down this, potentially, explosive offense led by first year starter Jackson Arnold?
Ryan Mack - Temple Is going to attempt to stop the pass and rush the passer to try to rattle new quarterback Jackson Arnold. The Owls changed their scheme last offseason from a 3-4 to a 4-3, which will help them to rush Arnold. They are going to be without defensive end Diwun Black for the game, but Tra Thomas and company can step up in his place. I can see the secondary having a lot to handle in the matchup. The core of the lineup is new with safety Andreas Keaton leading the group after transferring from Western Carolina, but they have much-needed depth in that room.
Payton Guthrie - Who are a few players that OU fans need to keep an eye on during the game?
Ryan Mack - Players to look out for on Temple would be Littleton and Keaton. They both came to Temple this past offseason and have already made a mark. Keaton has become one of the leaders on defense and is hoping to help a secondary that was plagued by injuries last season. D.J. Woodbury, Sr. is entering the year as a starter and becoming the soul of the Owls defense after Jordan Magee went to the NFL. Lastly, defensive tackle Demarick Morris is the last player to look out for. Morris missed all but two games last season and is now looking to make an impact along with FAU transfer Latrell Jean.
Payton Guthrie - Finally, what is your score prediction?
Ryan Mack - Oklahoma wins 56-10
What are your score predictions? Post them in the comments.