The Duke Blue Devils and the Temple Owls will face off at 7:30 p.m. ET Sept. 2 at Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium to kick off their 2022 seasons. Coming off of an uninspired 3-9 last-season record, Duke has set their aspirations higher this season. Likewise, returning after a rocky 3-9 year, Temple is aiming to prove that the past does not define them.
A couple last-season defensive stats to keep in the back of your head while watching: The Blue Devils were seventh worst when it came to passing touchdowns allowed last season, with the squad giving up 32 overall. The Owls experienced some struggles of their own as they ranked 12th worst in the nation with respect to rushing touchdowns allowed last year, where the team gave up 33 (bottom 96%). It's possible one of these Achilles' heels will wind up tripping the losing team up.
Duke has the odds in their favor, so they'll need to guard against complacency. These early season matchups can go either way as both teams get back into playing shape.