“1 UNIT” COLLEGE FOOTBALL INTANGTIBLE SIDE (Temple +4’ versus UCLA in a 4:35 eastern kickoff on ESPN): Even though UCLA finished the regular season with just a .500 record and are facing an opponent with a lofty 9-3 mark, the Bruins still have been cast as prohibitive favorites since the Pac 10 Conference is superior to that of the Mid-American draw. But it should be noted that the Pac 10 has had some problems in these early Bowl games when going up against a “non” BCS aligned conference (Mountain West) so today’s underdog could pull off a big surprise. Certainly Temple has the geographic advantage since the EagleBank Bowl is being played in Washington D.C. which of course is in the eastern time zone. What makes this matchup so unique is that there was a shot UCLA was not even going to be able to play since this Bowl promised a spot to Army if they became postseason eligible. With Army losing to Navy in their annual rivalry affair, UCLA basically “slipped in” to this contest where one has to question their motivation. Certainly motivation is not a problem for Temple who is participating in their first Bowl game in THIRTY YEARS. To put this program in proper perspective Temple was actually kicked out of the Big East Conference in part due to horrible home attendance. Temple also got the boot because of poor play on the field and it is worth noting that the Owls overall record in 2005 and 2006 was a complete disaster at 1-22. It goes without saying that Temple’s move into the Mid-American Conference has revitalized the program which has prospered with now fourth-year head coach Al Golden. Since this is year #4 at the helm. Golden’s initial recruiting class is all grown up and that EXPERIENCE has helped the Owls reach their current 9-3 record. Golden feels that games are won in “the trenches” and focused his recruiting efforts on getting big bodies in an area where games are won or lost. Temple has a massive offensive line that has a pair of All-Conference performers and averages 6’5” and 318 pounds across the front. That offensive line has helped Temple garner an outstanding rushing attack led by freshman Bernard Pierce who set a school-record this year for a first-year player by gaining more than 1,300 yards on the ground along with 15 touchdowns. Temple defensive end Adrian Robinson earned the Mid-American Conference “defensive player of the year” award by setting a single-season school record with 12 SACKS. Robinson also forced 5 different fumbles and is essentially a turnover machine. Temple certainly made bettors happy by COVERING 5 of 6 opportunities on the road including at Penn State back in week-two. The Owls actually opened the season against Villanova who ended up winning the Division I-AA Championship. The “intangible” regarding this contest is that two years ago UCLA actually passed over Al Golden and ended up hiring Rick Neuheisal as their new coach. That gives Temple’s current head coach some extra incentive as Al Golden’s Owls seek to wrap up a special campaign 4-0 ATS as an underdog!