Rhode Island vs Temple Picks and Predictions for Saturday, September 5th, 2026
Rhode Island vs Temple Game Information
The Rhode Island Rams will be on the road Saturday afternoon for a 2:00 PM matchup against the Temple Owls inside Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Rhode Island is coming off a solid season a year ago, finishing 11-3 overall and winning the CAA championship before losing in the second round of the FCS playoffs. Temple opens its 2026 campaign looking to improve on last yearβs 5-7 record. The Owls struggled down the stretch, losing their final 4 games of the season. Stay in the loop with our College Football Picks.
Rhode Island Preview
The Rhode Island offense carried them in week 1 of the year, pouring in 34 points, including 21 in the first half, on 297 total yards. Defensively, Rhode Island did have some issues, giving up 355 total yards but allowing only 7 points after forcing 4 turnovers in the game. Tyler Budge led the way for Rhode Island last week, completing 13 passes for 128 yards and 1 score, and ran the ball 5 times for 51 yards. Brendon Barrow led the way on the ground for Rhode Island last week with 56 yards on 13 carries. Alex McClelland chipped in 10 yards and 2 scores on 3 carries. Marquis Buchanan was the top target in the Rhode Island offense last week with 72 yards and 1 touchdown on 6 receptions.
Temple Preview
With the departure of Evan Simon from last yearβs roster, the Owls jumped in the portal for a replacement. Jaxon Smolik is the new offensive leader for the Owls, coming over from Penn State last year. Hunter Smith returns this year to lead Temple out of the backfield after 403 yards and 2 touchdowns on 62 carries last year. Jojo Bermudez led the Temple offense last year and will be back this year after 500 yards and 4 touchdowns on 38 catches last season.
Rhode Island vs Temple Pick
Temple has the stronger roster and should benefit significantly from playing this matchup at home. Rhode Island could keep the game competitive early, but the Owlsβ depth and home fans should lead them in Game 1 of the year. Look for Temple to establish control on both sides of the ball, leading to a comfortable victory and cover Saturday.
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- Pick: Temple Owls -14.5
- Secondary: Under 51.5
Final Score Prediction: Temple Owls win and cover 31-14
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