With all the homecoming excitement and cherry-red and white filling Lincoln Financial Field, the Temple Owls defeated the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes by the final score of 35-24.
Temple shot straight out of the block on their very first possession of the game as Jahad Thomas took the opening kickoff 68 yards into Tulsa territory. The huge return gave Temple an early momentum swing and set up an eight-yard touchdown run by running back Kenny Harper.
It would not be long until Tulsa forged themselves into the game as Luke Snider got his fingertips on a Alex Starzyk punt, setting the Golden Hurricanes in Owls’ territory. The special teams effort eventually set up a 19-yard touchdown run by Zack Langer, Tulsa’s first first-quarter score of the season.
Temple’s special teams woes continued as a fumbled kickoff gave Tulsa the ball back, however a fourth and goal attempt would be stuffed by Temple’s defense, sending Tulsa’s offense back to the sidelines without a score.
Looking to bounce back on special teams while adding a bit of trickery, the Owls faked a field goal in Tulsa’s redzone as Connor Reilly ran straight for the endzone to put Temple back up.
Tulsa would answer on both sides of the ball as Mandel Dixon Jr. would catch a TD pass from Dane Evens and Craig Suits would pick off Temple’s P.J. Walker. Temple escaped from the pick unharmed as Carl Salazar’s field goal kick hit the upright and was no good.
Late in the first half, Walker would find Jamie Gilmore for a 64-yard reception to put the Owls deep into Tulsa’s territory. Walker would then take the ball 11 yards to put the Owls back on top to close out the half.
Early in the second half, Tulsa looked to cut the Temple lead as quarterback Dane Evans found Keevan Lucas for a touchdown. From there, Tulsa’s defense was not able to contain the Owls’ attack.
On following drives, Walker connected with Jalen Fitzpatrick for a 30-yard touchdown strike and then threw a a 20-yard score to Thomas. Tulsa would not be able to come back and the Owls would trot off the field with the 35-24 victory.
After the game, Temple’s head coach Matt Rhule gushed about the team’s highly successful running attack stating, “We have competition right now,” when reflecting on the efforts from Thomas, Harper, and Gilmore. Thomas led the pack with 151 yards off of 14 carries.
Rhule also commended Walker’s play through the air, especially in the second half of the game and assured that he is continuing to grow every week. Walker would go on to finish the game 15/31 for 294 yards, two touchdowns, and a pick.
After the game, Walker stated that he was comfortable throughout the whole game. When commenting on the first half pick, he said, “I feel like it wasn’t that bad. The defender just made a great play.” He also commented on the running game of Thomas saying that his play allowed the passing game to open up in a big way.
Temple improves to 4-1 for the first time in four years with the victory and will be on the road next Friday night as they take on Houston at 9 p.m.
[Photo: Kentuckysports.co]
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