Temple University Athletics
OWLS CAN'T OVERCOME MISTAKES IN 29-22 LOSS TO PITTSBURGH
11.9.02 | Football
Temple (3-7, 1-4 Big East) pounded out 21 first downs to the Panthers' 13 and out-gained Pittsburgh, 341 yards to 189. But four costly turnovers and a blocked punt, three of which led directly to scores for the opponent spelled defeat for Temple. Pittsburgh (8-2, 5-0), extended its best-ever start in Big East Conference play and set up a showdown with defending national champion Miami next week.
On a positive note, seniors Cap Poklemba and Tanardo Sharps had milestone days for Temple. Poklemba connected on five-of-five field goal attempts to set a Big East Conference single-game record and tie the all-time mark at Temple. Sharps, who carried 33 times for a bruising 84 yards and a touchdown, became just the second Owl back of all time to record multiple 1,000-yard rushing seasons (Paul Palmer, 1985-86). He also went over the 3,000-yard mark for his four-year career and is second only to Palmer in career rushing yardage.
Although Temple won the first half, 16-14, the Owls missed several opportunities to build a more substantial lead. The Owls took the opening kickoff drove smartly to the Pittsburgh five, from where Tanardo Sharps burst nearly untouched up the middle for the game's first score. Three Poklemba field goals accounted for the additional Owl scoring in the half.
In the second half, Temple got off to a good start when Poklemba nailed his fourth three-pointer of the contest for a 19-14 lead, after Yazid Jackson recovered a Panther fumble on the opening kickoff. Temple fumbles led to both of Pitt's second-half touchdowns and the Owls could counter only with another Poklemba field goal, accounting for the 29-22 final.
Temple continues its Big East Conference slate with a road trip to Piscataway, New Jersey, where the Owls square off against Rutgers next Saturday at 3:30 p.m. The game will be televised live on CN8.
