Owls Stun the World: Temple Upsets #17 Penn State
Today’s game started as many of these games do. The Lions put up 14 unanswered points on what looked like an over matched, undermanned Owls defense. Temple’s offense too looked like the own who had failed to score so many time in Happy Valley. But today, you could sense that something was different.
On the Owls next possession they were able to put together a few nice plays, moving the ball to midfield when they faced another long third down against the Lions D. And here is when it all changed. The Owls came out in a five wide spread with only quarterback Vaugn Charlton in the backfield. It was only when the ball was snapped that the Lions Defense picked up star running back Bernard Pierce lined up in the slot. By then, it was too late as Pierce ran by his defender and hooked up with Charlton for a 50 touchdown pass. 14 – 7 Lions.
The Lions tried to answer the Temple Touchdown quickly, throwing deep on their first play from scrimmage, but Temple defensive back Kevin Kroboth was there, intercepting the errant throw.
The Owls sent their two minute offense onto the field and were able to muster a field goal, trailing 14-10 at the half with all the momentum and the ball starting the second half. The Owls then did what they’ve been able to do all season, taking the second half kickoff and marching methodically down field mixing runs and play action pass, and eating up clock the whole time. QB Charlton capped the drive with a 15 yard touchdown pass to a wide open Joe Jones and giving the Owls a 17-14 lead.
In the past, the Owls defense might have folded, but you could just feel it in the silence of Beaver Stadium that this day was different. The Owls, switching to mostly a three down linemen dime package confused, harassed and out muscled the Lions offense, holding them to a costly three and out as time was starting to favor the Owls.
Temple’s offense then put the ball in the hands of BP, mixing in the occasional pass, and BP responded with runs of 9, 14, 12, 7, and 15 yards. He then capped the Owls scoring on an 11 yard dive play making the score 24-14.
The Owls 24 unanswered points seemed to put the game away, but Penn State would respond, scoring a late touchdown, but as with so many balls this day, the ensuing onsides kick attempt went strait into the arms of the Owls who were then able to kneel on the ball and enjoy what may be the biggest victory in Temple Football history.
Now wouldn’t it be great if we were able to read this for real!!!!!
Getting Temple Football off to an Early Start
Yes folks, I bleed Cherry and White and I am chomping at the bit for football season to start. The Owls had such a great year last year, and with the team coming back I know we’re going to keep it going.
But, since I can’t wait, I picked up the newest version of NCAA Football and immediately started my Dynasty with the current Owls (even though I think many of the Temple players and team are highly underrated in the game!!! But yes, I am biased)
The season started with a 63-7 trouncing of “FBS East,” the games equivalent of Villanova. I’d rather stack up against the real Nova, but, alas, they aren’t in the game.
That was followed by a 28-21 nail biter against defending MAC champ Central Michigan. A Bernard Piece touchdown with under a minute left accounted for the game winner. On a side note, check out pierce4heisman.com. BP is the real deal. And sign up on his Pierce 4 Heisman Facebook page too!
That following game was a revenge game against UConn. BP ran for 3 tds and the Owls through for one more for a decisive 28-7 win over the Huskies.
Bernard Pierce runs for first of three td’s over UConn, NCAA 11
Bernard Pierce TD Run puts the game away, NCAA 11
Same TD, Different View, NCAA 11
And here are some pix from the game:
Let’s hope the real Owls get off to the same start their EA Sports counterparts did!
Go Owls!
Some EA Sports Videos
I’ve been playing NCAA Football for a while now, and I’ve just started playing NHL09. In NHL I “started” by playing with the Hartford Woldpack but I have already worked my way up the the NHL. Here is my first NHL goal:
And here is one of my favorite moments in NCAA, blocking a Notre Dame punt for a safety:
Enjoy!
We are proud to support the following charities:
