Temple, 'Nova to Meet

While Labor Day is the unofficial start of the heated political season for most of us on the campaign trail, it is also the start of the college football season.

Locally, with the 2^nd Annual Mayor’s Cup tonight, rivalry week comes early.The Temple Owls, my law school alma matter, will take on the Villanova Wildcats who also happen to reside in the 7^th Congressional District.I would be lying if I didn’t say I hope the Temple Owls prevail in convincing fashion, avenge last year’s heart breaking loss and get off to a fast start to what is expected to be a good season for Al Golden and his team.

The truth is both schools have very good teams and high expectations going into the season.Villanova is fresh from a national championship win in the FCS, formerly known as Division 1-AA and ranked number one in the league in the pre-season.Another very strong season and victory over a division 1 program like Temple will reinforce the growing belief on the Main Line that Villanova has what it takes to compete on the BCS level.

Temple’s football stature and fan base in the region is beginning to grow, as well. Last year, the Owls ended up 9-4 in their first winning season since 1990 and first bowl game appearance in nearly 30 years, which has many predicting a MAC championship this year.They also have a bona fide Heisman trophy candidate in sophomore All-Delco running back Bernard Pierce.

Regardless of the outcome this is a great event for the region and provides an opportunity to see two very good teams compete in what we all hope will be a long and competitive rivalry.It also tops watching Penn State beat up on lowly Youngstown State, which is only slightly more interesting than last night’s Eagles preseason game with all the starters watching in street clothes.

My prediction? Temple will show up ready to play and looking for vengeance after last year’s narrow loss. Temple by three.