Ed Johnson didn't hesitate when he labeled Penn State's defense one of the top five in the country -- but he did need a moment to comment on Temple's offense earlier this week.

When asked where the Owls' offense ranks, in terms of other teams Johnson faced this year, the defensive tackle paused for a moment.

"Umm ... obviously not high," he said. "But we just try not to underestimate them; they're going to try to win this football game just like we are."

Johnson didn't go into great detail, but the stats speak for themselves. In Temple's three games against power conference opponents (Louisville, Minnesota, Clemson), the one-win squad has been outscored 187-9.

And that's not the worst of it. Only four teams in Division I-A football are scoring fewer points than the Owls, and Temple's offense is ranked dead-last -- 119 out of 119 -- in yards per game.

"They like to run the ball as well as throw the ball. As far as the shutout is concerned, that's what we always hope for," cornerback Tony Davis said.

Davis called the Temple offense "balanced" -- but that might not be a good thing. The Owls' passing game is ranked No. 94, while the running game is 118th.

Still, that doesn't mean there's not a single bright spot on the Temple offense.

Defensive coordinator Tom Bradley praised sophomore quarterback Adam DiMichele, who actually signed a National Letter of Intent to play for the Lions back in 2004.

DiMichele opted to play minor league baseball, instead, and was drafted in the 38th round before returning to football.

"I spent a lot of time with Adam, and I know the competitor and athlete he is," Bradley said. "When you're a three-sport all-stater, that's a pretty darn good athletic company there."

Barring wins and losses, Temple's signal caller has fared pretty well. He's tossed 10 touchdowns and 10 picks, and his quarterback rating (134.6) is even ahead of Anthony Morelli (109.1).

DiMichele only throws for about 140 yards per game, but even that trumps the Owls' run game.

Temple averages about 60 yards per game at 2.1 yards per carry. Only Baylor has rushed for fewer yards, and only Stanford has had fewer rushing touchdowns.

Regardless, Johnson said it didn't matter what team the defense is playing.

"If anyone scores on us, not even if it's just Temple, we're mad," Johnson said. "Our standards have been high each season."