URI visits Temple on this afternoon after opening its season in Week 0 with a 34-7 bludgeon of a win over Merrimack. The Rams, however, are in the FCS, and the Owls are FBS veterans. DraftKings nevertheless is only giving URI 14.5 points. And I don’t think the market’s overreacting to Week 0, here. There’s something to this Rams team, regardless of Temple’s clear advantage. Below is my preview, prediction, and pick for today’s college football game between the Temple Owls and the Rhode Island Rams.
Here’s how I’ll play it. I’ll be pumping out these predictions for individual games all season, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more betting plays.
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Temple vs. URI prediction, preview
Rhode Island won 11 games and took the CAA title with it last season. The Rams’ defense allowed just 20.8 points per game, firmly squared among the FCS leaders. That unit got back to it right where it left off: it immediately forced three turnovers against Merrimack, and allowed no points over the final 50 minutes of gametime. They added a takeaway on special teams, too, which helped them win the field possession game.
The current biggest issue with URI is the absence of quarterback Devin Farrell, the preseason conference offensive player of the year. He missed the opener, and is still recovering from surgery after throwing for 3,745 yards and 24 touchdowns last season. Backup Tyler Budge completed only 13 of 29 passes for 128 yards, although he added 51 yards rushing, so he poses a dual threat to the Owls defense, even if it’s not a nuclear one.
Budge still has elite FCS weapons, however. All-American receiver Marquis Buchanan caught six passes for 72 yards and a touchdown last week. More importantly, Rhode Island does not need an aggressive passing plan to cover. RB Alex McClelland scored twice on direct-snap/wildcat runs, and the Rams showed us they are committed to manufacturing rushing chances and converting them into decent explosives, all while minimizing any sort of turnover risk.
URI vs. Temple pick, best bet
Last season, Temple improved to 5-7 during K.C. Keeler’s first season, averaging 27.8ppg while allowing 29.7. Penn State transfer Jaxon Smolik is the team’s new starting signal-caller. He has attempted, quite literally, only a handful of college passes. The Owls had an excellent 2025 turnover margin on offense, but that’s too volatile for me to rely on here with such a pesky opponent.
So, sure—Temple owns the deeper roster, and should eventually control the line of scrimmage. But asking the favorite to build three scores of separation against a frisky, gelled opponent with a game already completed is too much for me. I expect Rhode Island’s stout defense to limit whatever explosive plays Smolik attempts, and for Buchanan, McClelland, and the wildcat to create enough offense to cover on the road. The Owls win, but the Rams stay comfortably within 14.5.
Best bet: Rhode Island +14.5 (-110)
Projected score: Temple 27, Rhode Island 17
Best Bet: URI +14.5 (-110) vs. Temple
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