Cincinnati Bearcats at Temple Owls: Preview, prediction, TV info

Could backup quarterback Brendon Kay take Munchie Legaux's spot this week? (US Presswire)

Cincinnati (6-2, 2-1 Big East) at Temple (3-5, 2-3 Big East)

Kickoff: Saturday, noon ET (Big East Network)

Spread: Cincinnati by 10.5

Watchability: Not good. The Bearcats shouldn't have much trouble with the Owls. Though keep an eye on it, especially with the quarterback controversy in Cincy.

Shining stars: Cincinnati -- RB George Winn. The senior has become a much-needed steadying force for the Bearcats' offense, especially in recent weeks. Winn, who rushed for just 376 yards in his first three seasons combined, has gone over 100 yards four times this year, including last week's 165-yard effort against Syracuse. He also did this. Temple -- RB Montel Harris. A hobbled Harris got off to a slow start in 2012, but the senior has come on stronger of late. He was a load last week against Louisville -- though Temple was blown out -- rushing for 115 yards on just 15 carries for an average of 7.7 yards per carry.

Who could steal the show: Cincinnati -- QB Brendon Kay. Coach Butch Jones said earlier in the week that he has yet to make a decision on his starting quarterback. Current starter Munchie Legaux has struggled over his last three games, and Kay came on last week to throw a touchdown pass against Syracuse. Even if Legaux starts, he'll be on a short leash and Kay could come in at any moment. Temple -- RB/KR Matt Brown. The senior started the season at running back but was supplanted by Harris once the latter was healthy and Brown went down with an injured ankle. But Brown is making plays again, mostly in the return game. He returned the opening kick for a score last weekend against Louisville and he will likely begin getting more looks out of the backfield now that he's fully healthy.

You going? Ranking the road trip: Not a very alluring matchup for either side. There are probably better ways to spend your Saturday afternoon.

Magic number for Cincinnati: 44. Cincinnati linebacker Greg Blair has 44 tackles over the past three games, and he now ranks 13th in the country (first in the Big East) with 10.38 tackles per game.

Magic number for Temple: 44.38. That is punter Brandon McManus's average yards per kick, which is good for 12th in the nation. McManus will have to be careful, though, as he doesn't want to outkick his coverage and give Ralph David Abernathy IV a chance for a big return.

This game comes down to: Cincy's quarterback play. Whether it's Legaux or Kay, the Bearcats need a solid outing from their quarterback. It probably won't matter much this week, but it would be beneficial to build some confidence heading into next week's game with Rutgers.

Prediction: Cincinnati 34, Temple 13

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