Temple University Athletics
Temple Downs Navy 17-6
9.2.00 | Football
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Temple smothered Navy's option attack and Tanardo Sharps ran for a career-high 180 yards and a touchdown in the
Owls' 17-6 victory September 2.
It was Temple's first season-opening victory since 1996, when it beat Eastern Michigan 28-24. That also was the Owls' only win in their previous 20
non-conference games.
Temple built a 10-0 halftime lead behind backup quarterback Mike Frost and a defense that limited the Midshipmen to three first downs and minus-3
yards on the ground.
Sharps made it 17-0 with a 64-yard touchdown run on the first play of the fourth quarter. Sharp, who had 31 carries, easily topped his previous career
high of 100 yards.
Navy led the nation in rushing offense last year, averaging 292.2 yards. But the Midshipmen had only 29 on the ground before quarterback Brian
Broadwater scored on a 50-yard run with 8:44 left to make it 17-6.
Navy never threatened again in losing its fourth straight opener, matching a school record set twice previously. The Midshipmen managed only seven
first downs and 73 yards rushing.
The last time Navy finished with less than 100 yards on the ground was in 1994 against Army.
The Owls amassed 222 yards in the first half compared to just 23 for Navy, which managed only three first downs _ one on a pass interference call.
Temple coach Bobby Wallace replaced quarterback Devin Scott with Frost late in the first quarter, and Frost immediately launched the game's first
scoring drive. On his second play, Frost completed a 44-yard pass to Greg Muckerson, and six plays later Jason McKie scored on a 1-yard run.
After a Navy punt, Frost directed a 15-play, 63-yard drive that ended with a
24-yard field goal by Cap Poklemba.
