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FACTS & STATS: Site: Infocision Stadium (30,000) -- Akron, Ohio. Television: ESPN3.com. Home Record: Temple 1-0, Akron 0-0. Away Record: Temple 0-0, Akron 0-1. Neutral Record: Temple 0-0, Akron 0-0. Conference Record: Temple 0-0, Akron 0-0. Series Record: Temple leads, 13-7.

GAME NOTES: Steve Addazio will get his first taste of Mid-American Conference action when his Temple Owls take on the Akron Zips this Saturday night at Infocision Stadium.

Addazio's tenure at Temple began with a 42-7 decision over Villanova. Addazio took over a Temple squad that has posted back-to-back winning seasons after not having a winning campaign in 18 consecutive years. Temple has fought for a chance at a MAC title the past two seasons, posting a 12-4 ledger in league play during that span. However, they have fallen short both years with late losses down the stretch. After this contest the Owls will have a tough task when they take on Penn State in Philadelphia.

Rob Ianello debuted as Akron's head coach last year, but his squad lost its first 11 games, before closing out 2010 with a victory over Buffalo. Not much changed in the team's opener, as the Zips were blanked by Ohio State, 42-0. The Zips have struggled through five consecutive losing seasons in league action and have not posted more than three victories in any of those campaigns.

The Owls own a 13-7 edge over Akron in the all-time series and have won the last four meetings, outscoring the Zips by a 137-43 margin.

When healthy Bernard Pierce is one of the better tailbacks in the nation, but over the past two seasons he has struggled to stay on the field down the stretch. The junior seemed fully healthy in the opener, as he punished Villanova for 147 yards and three scores on just 20 carries.

Pierce only carried the ball 154 times in 2010 and did not reach the 1,000 plateau, but if he can play in all 12 games, he will have no trouble blowing by that number.

However, running that ball has not been a problem for the over the past couple of seasons. What has plagued this offense though has been the lack of success through the air. That was not the case against Villanova, as Mike Gerardi threw for 235 yards and two touchdowns on just 14-of-20 passing. One of those touchdowns went to Deon Miller who finished with 74 yards on four receptions.

Not to be outshined was the defense for Temple. This unit came into the season with a lot of new faces, but in its first test the defense passed with flying colors, holding the Wildcats to just seven points.

Under the tutelage of Al Golden the Owls became a dominating defensive force, especially against the run. Addazio plans to put a similar defense on the field and that was evident in the win, as the Owls held Villanova to just 122 yards on 3.5 yards per carry.

The Owls were a ferocious, swarming force for all four quarters and collected four turnovers, including three interceptions. Defending the pass will be a major task for the Owls, who have struggled in that area at times.

The Zips averaged just 15.1 ppg a year ago, and it is likely the team could post similar numbers in 2011. It was only one game, but the offense for Akron was shut down by Ohio State.

Akron totaled just 90 yards and that led to only five first downs. Clayton Moore got the nod under center, but he was just 6-of-16 with 54 yards and one interception. That poor showing could put his starting role in jeopardy with Patrick Nicely behind him.

However, Moore was not the only problem for this unit, which actually did worse rushing the ball. Akron was led by Moore, who rushed for 32 yards, and the team's starting tailback Jawon Chisholm finished with just 26 yards on 13 carries.

It was only one game, but the effort by this unit could make for another long year. One thing is for sure, the defense for Temple is licking its chops.

It was a troublesome effort by the Zips, as the defense was abused by Ohio State's depleted offense.

Overall the defense was gashed for 224 rushing yards, and allowed another 293 yards through the air. Defending the pass was a big problem for Akron in 2010 and although it is just one game it would appear that coach Ianello's squad could have the same issues this year.

If there was a bright spot for this unit, it would be the play of Brian Wagner, who racked up 15 tackles. Even if Wagner has a similar performance this Saturday the Zips will still have trouble stopping Pierce and the Owls.

Temple has dominated Akron over the past couple of seasons and that should not change, even if the Zips are home. Temple's ground game should run up and down the field on Akron's defensive front and the defense for coach Addazio should have little trouble controlling the Zips' offense.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Temple 37, Akron 10