Temple-Toledo early preview: Key metrics and matchups
- Temple used Jaxon Smolik for 42 snaps and Ajani Sheppard for 15 against Penn State. PFF graded Smolik 42.0 as a passer and Sheppard 84.4, but Sheppard's work came mostly in the fourth quarter. The smaller, later sample supports monitoring the quarterback competition, not declaring a starter change or equivalent performance conditions.
- Temple cornerback Denzel Chavis is questionable with an injury, while the preview projects Adrian Laing and Asa Locks to start and Nakeel Lawrence in reserve. Reported coverage grades range from Laing's 81.9 to Locks' 54.1, Chavis' 57.3 and Lawrence's 52.7, highlighting uneven early secondary play. The lineup is projected, not an official availability announcement.
- Temple averaged 5.8 rushing yards per attempt against Rhode Island and 5.7 against Penn State. Toledo held Michigan State to 3.8 and Central Connecticut State to 3.0. That makes Temple's productive rushing attack against Toledo's early run defense a key matchup, with different opponents and only two games behind each set of figures.
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