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UCF football: 3 bold predictions vs. Temple in Week 11

By Daniel Morrison

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 26: Bentavious Thompson #24 of the UCF Knights runs the ball against the Temple Owls at Lincoln Financial Field on October 26, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 26: Bentavious Thompson #24 of the UCF Knights runs the ball against the Temple Owls at Lincoln Financial Field on October 26, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 10: Quarterback Anthony Russo #15 of the Temple Owls drops back to pass against the Navy Midshipmen in the first half at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on October 10, 2020 in Annapolis, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 10: Quarterback Anthony Russo #15 of the Temple Owls drops back to pass against the Navy Midshipmen in the first half at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on October 10, 2020 in Annapolis, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

2. Anthony Russo Gets Benched

Now in his third season as the starting quarterback for Temple, Anthony Russo has hit some choppy waters as he’s struggled through the first five games of the season. On the season Russo has only nine touchdowns to six interceptions, while 6.4 yards per completion is the lowest of his career. Behind Russo both Trad Beatty and Re-al Mitchell have seen playing time this season.

This, after he spent all last season giving reps at quarterback to Todd Centeio who is gone now, having transferred to Colorado State in search of playing time. Even with Centeio moving on, it’s clear that the Temple coaching staff doesn’t have full faith in Russo at quarterback.

Last season, the quarterback situation was similar to when Georgia juggled Jake From and Justin Fields, hoping to get Fields enough playing time to keep him in Athens.

This season, it’s more like Tennessee with Jarrett Guarantano. He’s the best, most experienced option, but the staff seems to wish he wasn’t. If he turns the ball over a couple time or struggles to move the ball, expect Russo to get the hook.

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