TV/radio: 2:30 p.m. Saturday, NBC-5, WMVP-AM 1000.
Line: Notre Dame by 18 1/2.
2016 records: Notre Dame 4-8, Temple 10-4.
Last meeting: There was plenty of hype leading up to the Oct. 31, 2015 game, with College GameDay in Philadelphia. The matchup delivered. DeShone Kizer threw a 17-yard touchdown pass to Will Fuller with 2:09 remaining to lead Notre Dame to a 24-20 victory.
Keys to the game
How will quarterback Brandon Wimbush perform in his first start? Wimbush has attempted just five passes in his career. He redshirted last year and joked he hasn’t taken a hit since playing against Pittsburgh on Nov. 7, 2015. He will have to shake off any rust quickly.
Who will emerge as the best option at quarterback for Temple? Logan Marchi, Frankie Nutile, Anthony Russo and Todd Centeio have a combined 11 pass attempts for Temple. Coach Geoff Collins hasn’t announced publicly which one will get the starting nod, and he has indicated that more than one will see action against the Irish. The sooner one settles into a rhythm, the better for Temple.
Will Notre Dame’s defense apply the heat? Wake Forest finished in the top 20 in several defensive categories with Mike Elko as its coordinator in 2016, including fumbles recovered (third) and sacks (12th). Elko makes his debut as Notre Dame’s coordinator, looking to provide a boost for a unit that must improve from last year.
LaMond Pope’s pick: Expect running back Josh Adams to get plenty of carries, and yards, to take some of the weight off of Wimbush’s shoulders. Notre Dame 28, Temple 17.
