Philadelphia- Saturday September 7th 2013, was unlike any other day in the history of the Temple Football program. It was not only the first home game in front of the “Wild Cherry’s” but it was also the first game of the American Athletic Conference. The Temple Owls took on the Houston Cougars in this historic contest at Lincoln Financial Field in front of approximately 27,328 screaming fans. With Temple winning the toss and the fans screaming in the background, Temple opened the drive on the wrong foot. Junior quarterback Connor Reilly challenged the Houston defense on the first play and they answered when his deep pass was overthrown by a wide margin and intercepted by Houston corner back Zach McMillian. Not the way Temple envisioned opening such a huge game but the defense managed to not allow the Cougar offense to score. Senior kicker Richie Leone of Houston, missed a 35 yard field goal attempt wide right.
Frankly, things did not transpire all that well in the passing game for the Temple Owls in this game. Connor Reilly showed flashes of brilliance at times, but most other incidences he left you scratching your head in confusion. It was as if Reilly had lost major confidence in his arm or he did not have the most trust in his receivers because he barely threw another pass for plus 20 yards. He has to learn to shake off the miscues and keep it going if he wants to keep the starting job. About half way through the first quarter as Temple drove down the field and gained some good momentum, the Houston Cougars stopped them or so they thought. Defensive player freshman Steve Taylor of Houston was penalized for a late hit on a defenseless player and according to the revised rules, Steve Taylor was DQ ‘d for the remainder of the game. Temple would reach the end zone on a one yard rushing touchdown from running back Kenny Harper.
After a second Harper touchdown run and a barrage of Houston field goals the game was scored 13-9 going into the half with Temple holding the lead. As the third quarter rolled around the Cougars running backs looked as if they were just going to run the Temple defense into the ground. Houston backfield tandem of Kenneth Farrow and Daniel Spencer basically had their way against a porous run defense. It looked as if the Temple defenders took courses in the Nnamdi Asomugha school of tackling. Surprisingly the lackluster defense did not give up a touchdown and played well defending the Houston aerial assault or lack there of.
Fast forward past costly penalties and just sloppy overall football by both squads, and with just under 4:41 in the game the Temple defense stopped what would have been the game winning touchdown , when free safety Abdul Smith drilled a thunderous hit on Houston quarterback John O’Korn and caused a fumble. The much supportive crowd had gained new life and Connor Reilly looked to feed off the atmosphere. With a score of 15 -13 and Temple now trailing after missing multiple field goals, the offense looked poised to have a game winning drive. Connor Reilly ran for a huge gain and slid for a big first down. Hit with a late call again by the refs , it looked as if Houston was going to give up a monstrous game winning drive. With a fresh set of downs and roaring fans, Reilly took under center with just under 1:18 left on the clock did exactly what you imagine. He threw a pass across the middle into coverage and it was tipped and picked off by Houston. Houston put a stamp on the game as Ryan Jackson ran into the end zone to give the Houston Cougars a 22-13 lead and that would be the final score as time ticked away.
Some things to take away from what I saw, Connor Reilly must get more comfortable playing quarterback. I know its his first season but he looked rattled at times. Also this offensive line must protect him. Reilly took several scary blows throughout this game and if that continues he won’t last all season.
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