Final Thoughts: Temple vs. Penn State

As you might recall, the Owls dropped to 0-2, falling to #5 Penn State by a score of 31-6.

A lot of work has to be done when the team begins their MAC Conference Schedule against the 2008 Champs: Buffalo. Yes, the Buffalo team that beat TU last year on one play.

Although the Owls suffered their second loss of the season, there were a lot of positives that came out of this game. The Owl's Nest has come up with list of what Temple has improved, and what needs to be improved as they prepare for Buffalo next Saturday.

Pros from Penn State

- Temple has now found their go-to guys on offense:

WR's James Nixon, Michael Campbell, Jason Harper, and Joe Jones
RB's Kee-ayre Griffin and Bernard Pierce
TE's Steve Maneri and Evan Rodriguez

- If the Owls were to play with a fullback, I think that would work wonders for the running game. These two guys can find the holes, and another blocker could help.

- Temple now has found a great kicker in Brandon McManus. Even with the atmosphere at Happy Valley, McManus provided the Owls with their only scoring, hitting field goals from 35 and 25 yards.

- We've seen a little more aggression from the defense, as the line was able to penetrate and get to Daryll Clark several times.

- Coach Golden seemed to be more risk taking on the offensive side of the ball. We saw Temple attempt and recover an onside kick, as well as convert on 4th down at least once.

Cons from Penn State

- Unlike last week where the Owls were able to score 3 touchdowns, the team was unable to put the ball in the endzone against the Nittany Lions. Merely 3 points more than last year.

- The run defense was simply manhandled by the likes of Evan Royster. Several missed tackles led to breakout runs, eventually leading to scoring position.

- Although Temple was not hesitant to throw the ball, it did not seem as if there was much of deep balls being thrown. With deep threats in James Nixon and Michael Campbell (as shown in week 1 against Villanova) and Charlton's gun of an arm, you need to utilize your threats.

The Owls will have a lot of work to do before next week, when they return home to take on the 2008 MAC Champ Buffalo Bulls. The Owls' Nest will preview the upcoming game later on this week.

For now, it's back to the practice field in preparation.