What is the team's biggest strength right now and what will SMU need to do to break down the Owls?

The biggest strength for Temple is their running back depth. The Owls have a "four-headed monster," as quarterback Phillip Walker has called the group of running backs, made up of senior Jahad Thomas, true sophomore Ryquell Armstead and Jager Gardner and redshirt sophomore David Hood. They'll also throw in true freshman Isaiah Wright at times. Wright, a highly recruited prospect out of Connecticut that held offers from Ohio State, Rutgers, among others, has been used as a Wildcat quarterback as well.

But of the four backs, Thomas is the lead and will receive the majority of the workload. He missed the first two games of the season with what Temple called a dislocated thumb, but he has looked 100 percent since his return for Temple's 34-27 loss at Penn State. Thomas has 120 rushing yards (4.1 yards per carry) and four touchdowns, along with nine receptions for 97 yards (10.8 average).

Armstead received the majority of the carries when Thomas was hurt and was largely effective. He has racked up 154 yards on 37 carries (4.2 average) and four touchdowns. He's not as dynamic of a runner and pass-catcher as Thomas, but he'll receive some work against SMU and will be one to watch.

Gardner and Hood could get some work, too. They have looked solid, but the sample size is small (20 carries combined through the first four games).

What is the general vibe around the team right now and how do people feel about how Temple's season is going so far?

The general vibe seems really positive.

Head coach Matt Rhule talked about it following the one score loss at Penn State and once again after they beat Charlotte by 28 points. Rhule thinks they're turning a corner, especially on the offensive side of the ball.

The offensive line performed, a group that features two guards that hadn't started a college football game going into the season, well against Charlotte, according to Rhule. The o-line did not allow a sack against Charlotte.

Phillip Walker has also looked solid in the last two games. Walker has thrown 250 yards or more and turned it over just once in the last two outings. He seems to be getting things together as conference play starts up.

As mentioned earlier, Thomas is back and that group of running backs is deep.

And the receiving corps has shown signs of improvement as well, especially redshirt sophomore Brodrick Yancy, redshirt junior Adonis Jennings and redshirt sophomore Marshall Ellick. Temple could also add Ventell Bryant - the team's leading returning receiver from last season - back to the mix this week, as he has been cleared to resume football activities. Bryant has not played since the season opener against Army.

All in all, there's a lot of positivity surrounding this Temple team. They feel like they fought hard at Penn State, learned some valuable lessons in State College and then got another confidence-boosting win against an inferior opponent ahead of AAC play.

The feeling seems to be that they have a chance to once again compete for The American's East Division Championship and then take a swing at Houston.

What are some of the things Temple will adjust from previous weeks in anticipation for this game?

The biggest adjustment for Temple will be going up against a big-time receiving threat in Courtland Sutton, who they held to two receptions for 29 yards in last season's meeting. The Owls are inexperienced, for the most part, at cornerback. It'll be interesting to see how Temple opts to defend Sutton this time around. Tavon Young, the team's top corner from last season, is now with the Baltimore Ravens. Sean Chandler, who had a lot of success at corner last season as well, moved over to safety during the spring and has stayed out there.

Derrek Thomas, a 6-foot-4 corner that converted from receiver over the spring, could see a lot of Sutton. The Owls also have Nate Hairston, a fellow converted receiver that was mainly a nickel corner last season, along with Artrel Foster, who has been inconsistent through the first four games.

When facing big-time receivers, the unit of Thomas, Foster and Hairston has not been all that effective. They allowed 7 catches for 117 yards and one touchdown to Penn State WR Chris Godwin, while Charlotte WR T.L. Ford II grabbed 5 receptions for 92 yards.

What is the team's biggest weakness?

Even following the impressive showing against Charlotte, the offensive line is still a big weakness for Temple.

As mentioned before, Temple has two inexperienced guards in redshirt junior Adrian Sullivan and redshirt freshman Jovahn Fair. True freshman Matt Hennessy, who got the starting nod last week, will see playing time against SMU as well. Redshirt senior center Brendan McGowan has also been inconsistent.

The Owls' tackles, however, have played well in large part. Left tackle Dion Dawkins projects as an NFL player, while right tackle Leon Johnson has continued to develop nicely.

As it stands now, Temple is last in the AAC in rushing offense. Most of that falls on the offensive line. The unit has continued to show signs of improvement, but they need to continue to get better quickly.

Are there any notable injuries/suspensions SMU fans should know about for Temple?

As I mentioned earlier, Ventell Bryant could be back this week. Bryant, who grabbed two receptions for 84 yards and one touchdown in last season's 60-40 shootout win over SMU, would provide Temple with a huge boost.

Redshirt junior defensive tackle Julian Taylor's status is murky. He missed last week's game against Charlotte and is still recovering from a torn ACL suffered in last year's season opener.

Redshirt freshman Kareem Ali will not play this week due to a dislocated elbow.

Prediction and score?

Temple beats SMU, 45-35.