As one team finished out their home schedule in style, the other began it.
Temple Football team (9-2)(7-0) continued their winning streak and undefeated record with a 47-13 win over the Kent State to finish out the 2009 home schedule. Temple Basketball (2-1)(0-0) opened their 2009 campaign with a 73-69 win over the Siena Saints to start the home schedule strong.
In this morning's article,
The Owls' Nest will discuss both sports' outcomes, and analyze their performances during this weekends games.
Seniors Head Out on High NoteThe Temple football team ended their home schedule in front of their biggest crowd in a while (21,000+) yesterday with a victory over the Kent State Golden Flashes.
The pre-game atmosphere was something special around these parts, as tailgating central Lot K was quickly filled, and fans struggled to find parking as gametime approached. The Temple side of Lincoln Financial Field was more full than usual, and most of the endzone seats on both sides filled with cherry and white. In addition, there was a great amount of Temple fans sitting on the visiting side that outnumbers the folks from Ohio themselves.
The Owls struggled early in the game, unable to generate any offense through the first quarter. The team was without the nation's 4th best rusher in the country, Bernard Pierce, who suffered an injury that listed him as doubtful to return.
Who knows what went on at halftime of yesterday's game, but Coach Golden must have told this team something. Down 10-9 entering the half, Temple outscored the Golden Flashes 24-0 in the third quarter. KSU was held to a mere field goal in 30 minutes of second half play.
Here's the breakdown of Temple's scoring against Kent State last night:
1st QuarterNo Temple scoring.
2nd Quarter(TE) Evan Rodriguez 10 yard TD catch
(K) Brandon McManus 24 yard FG
3rd Quarter(K) Brandon McManus 28 yard FG
(RB) Matt Brown 71 yard TD run
(CB) Kee-Ayre Griffin 36 yard TD interception
(RB) Matt Brown 1 yard TD run
4th Quarter(WR) Delano Green 52 yard TD punt return
(WR) Delano Green 50 yard TD run
Final Score: TEMPLE 47, Kent State 13.
The Owls saw scoring from all three parts of this team. The running and passing games, defense, and special teams all contributed to Temple's second half surge.
Two of the Owls' key contributors were runningback Matt Brown and wide receiver Delano Green. Brown, filling in for the injured Bernard Pierce (see below), used his massive offensive line and his speed to blow away defenders in the open field. Green sparked the special teams with his electrifying punt return to the house, along with the classy wide receiver reverse he took all the way.
Temple's defense also sparked during the second half, stalling the Golden Flashes several times, and putting pressure on the quarterback. Adrian Robinson celebrated his 20th birthday with an athletic tipped pass he intercepted, which later led to a Temple score.
Kee-ayre Griffin's 36 yard interception for a touchdown blew this game open, giving Temple a three possession lead. Since his switch back to cornerback from runningback, the sophomore has continued to find ways to contribute.
* Injury Note: Bernard Pierce suffered shoulder injury, and things don't look good. After his first play from scrimmage, Pierce was taken to the locker room, and later returned to the sidelines in a sling. Rumors are that the Owls could miss BP from 4 to 8 weeks. We'll keep you updated.
With this victory, Temple's winning streak extends to 9 games, and the Owls maintain 1st place in the MAC East with an undefeated record of (7-0).
Temple's overall record becomes (9-2)(7-0), and the Owls will head go out to Ohio for a game to decide the MAC East representative in the MAC Conference Championship!
Kent State's overall record moves to (5-6)(4-3), and the team will finish out by welcoming Buffalo.
Temple's Youth Earns Home Opener VictoryTemple basketball opened their home season with a hard fought win over the talented Siena Saints. Temple saw several players take key roles and make crucial plays to get the Owls a come from behind victory.
Juan Fernandez led Temple with 20 points. The sophomore was very consistent through the 40 minutes of play, seeming to take advantage of many of his touches.
Coming off the bench, Ramone Moore was also important to this Owls offense. He scored 16 points during his play, boosting the team to a victory. Another player that stepped up was Micheal Eric. Through most of the first half, he was the Owls' main source of scoring along with Fernandez.
Temple saw a number of players contribute to yesterday's victory. Here's the statistical breakdown of Temple's scoring.
Juan Fernandez (20 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist)
Ryan Brooks (17 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist)
Ramone Moore (16 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists)
Micheal Eric (12 points, 3 rebounds, 2 blocks)
Lavoy Allen (8 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists)
Juan Fernandez played arguably his career best as an Owl with yesterday's performance. He was the main source for Temple's scoring, although three others were able to get into double digits.
Temple's record is (2-1)(0-0), and the Owls will welcome Ball State to the Liacouras Center.
Siena's record is (2-1)(0-0), and the Saints will head home and take on Delaware.
The Owls' Nest will continue to keep you updated on both Temple Basketball and Football!
Here's a look at our upcoming articles:
1) Upcoming Matchups: (FB) Temple vs. Ohio | (BB) Temple vs. Ball State
2) Conference Updates (FB) MAC Conference | (BB) Atlantic 10 Conference
3) Owls' Nest Q&A (FB) BobcatAttack.com | (BB) Overthepylon.net
4) GameDay Live Chat (FB) Temple vs. Ohio | (BB) Temple vs. Ball State
5) Post Game Analysis (FB/BB)
6) Tweets of the Day (ALL WEEK)
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