Are you ready for a classic? Because the *take a deep breath* Walk On’s Bistreaux & Bar Independence Bowl surely won’t disappoint. Who doesn’t love some mid day football with a basketball school?
How they got here: Temple
After a slow start, Temple circled the wagons and quietly put together a solid season becoming one of the better all-around teams in the Group of Five.
Head coach Geoff Collins is off to Georgia Tech but if recent history tells us anything, Temple will be just fine.
How they got here: Duke
Duke ended the season with a blowout loss to Wake Forest. David Cutcliffe’s turnaround of the Duke football program has been nothing short of a miracle but they have likely plateaued. Contending for a bowl at Duke year in and year out is a good place to be.
Player to watch: Ryquell Armstead, RB, Temple
Ryquell Armstead has been Temple’s bell cow all season. He’s got just over a thousand yards while pacing an offense that had trouble generating and maintaining momentum throughout the season. It’s his last game for the Owls, he’ll be looking to make a big statement.
Gambler’s Corner
Temple -3.5 feels like a good call. The over/under has settled at 53.5 which also looks pretty fair.
Prediction
I like Temple in a close, gritty game. Duke certainly isn’t good but they’ve had some bright spots.
I like Temple to cover 3.5 and I think this year’s Independence Bowl hits that over.