Boca Raton Bowl 2015, Temple vs Toledo preview, predictions, odds, live stream info

Nov 10, 2015; Mount Pleasant, MI, USA; Toledo Rockets running back Kareem Hunt (3) makes a touchdown run as Central Michigan Chippewas defensive back Amari Coleman (7) chases during the first quarter at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 10, 2015; Mount Pleasant, MI, USA; Toledo Rockets running back Kareem Hunt (3) makes a touchdown run as Central Michigan Chippewas defensive back Amari Coleman (7) chases during the first quarter at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Temple Owls vs. Toledo Rockets

Two teams that enjoyed near unprecedented levels of success in the 2015 college football season were the Temple Owls and the Toledo Rockets. With both teams accruing over nine wins on the year, they now get set to do battle with one another on Tuesday evening in the 2015 Marmot Boca Raton Bowl from FAU Football Stadium.

The Temple offense has been led all season by the phenomenal connection between P.J. Walker and Robby Anderson in the passing game and with workhorse running back Jahad Thomas in addition to scarce doses of Walker in the running game. On the other hand, Toledo is unquestionably led by star junior running back Kareem Hunt, though quarterback Phillip Ely can get the job done more than adequately as the signal-caller for the Rockets.

Details for Tuesday’s game are below:

Date: Tuesday, Dec. 22
Start Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Location: Boca Raton, FL
Stadium: FAU Football Stadium
TV Info: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN
Radio: Here

Keys to Victory

Temple has been one of the more surprising teams in all of college football in 2015 with a slew of offensive weapons, but their driving force has been their defense that allowed the 16th fewest points per game over the course of the year. Maintaining that level of stinginess on the defensive side of the ball is going to be key for the Owls in this Boca Raton Bowl matchup as the Rockets definitely have the weapons that can make teams pay if they aren’t on their toes defensively.

In terms of those weapons, though, Toledo is going to have to rely heavily on running back Kareem Hunt if they want to win this game. Hunt spent most of the first half of the regular season nursing injuries, but he’s a playmaker in this Rockets offense. If the Rockets hope to have any chance at a win, Hunt is going to need to pay a massive role in doing so.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Temple -2.5
Moneyline: Temple -135, Toledeo +115
O/U: 48.5

Prediction

This could wind up being one of the most competitive matchups in the young college football bowl seasons as both teams have a ton of talent and have performed well all season. However, I tend to lean towards the team with the biggest playmaker when matchups are this close and that advantage undoubtedly lies with Toledo in the form of Kareem Hunt. I’m taking the Rockets in a close one.

Final Score: Temple Owls: 24, Toledo Rockets: 30