In the third weekday bowl game of the season, there is a contest between two average teams. These teams are the Florida International Golden Panthers and the Temple Owls. Both teams started the season with average expectations and both teams have reached those expectations by qualifying for a bowl game. Both teams managed to win at least six games and will look to add a bowl game victory to successfully culminate their seasons.
Florida International’s success is due to senior quarterback Alex McGough. This season, McGough threw for 17 touchdowns along with over 2,700 yards and eight interceptions. However, McGough’s job has been made easier by the Golden Panthers’ three-headed rushing attack. Running backs Alex Gardner, Shawndarrius Phillips and Napoleon Maxwell each have over 400 yards rushing this season along with at least four rushing touchdowns. Florida International’s offense is only successful when its running game is effective. Expect the Golden Panthers to rely heavily on its rushing attack against the Owls if they plan on winning this bowl game.
Temple’s success is primarily due to quarterback Frank Nutile. Nutile became the team’s starting quarterback for the last five games of the season. In those five games, Nutile threw for 11 touchdowns and over 1,300 passing yards as the Owls went 3-2. Although the team’s record with Nutile as the starting quarterback was relatively average, the Owls did improve dramatically on offense with Nutile at the helm and he will need to have another solid game if the Owls plan on winning this bowl game.
As for my prediction, I have to side with Temple. Although Florida International has an extremely balanced offense, I personally think that Temple has the more talented roster. Although Florida International won eight games this season, their schedule was extremely easy and I think that their record does not truly reflect the skill of the team. Temple played in a harder conference and I think that its strength of schedule prepared the team adequately for this bowl game. I will take Temple by a touchdown or so.
Florida International vs. Temple: Game Time, TV Channel & Viewing Details
Event: Florida International vs. Temple
Date: Thursday, December 21, 2017
Start Time: 8:00 P.M. EST
Location: Tropicana Field in Saint Petersburg, FL
Broadcast: ESPN
How to Watch Florida International vs. Temple On Your Tablet Or Mobile Device
You can live stream the game on the WatchESPN app.
You can download the WatchESPN app on Google Play, Amazon, iTunes, and the Windows Store. The Fox Sports Go app is also available on the following devices: Apple TV, Roku, Android TV and Fire TV.
How To Live Stream Florida International vs. Temple Online Without Cable Subscription
You can also live stream the game through Sling TV free trial. Just click on the Sling website and click “Watch Now 7 Days Free” for the free trial. Choose the Sling Orange package, which costs $20 per month and comes with ESPN, along with many other sports channels.
