Temple University Athletics
Mebane One of Five Candidates for USA Today National Player of the Week
10.30.06 | Football
Oct. 30, 2006
PHILADELPHIA - Temple senior middle linebacker Walter Mebane is one of five players vying for the USA Today National Player of the Week honors after his outstanding performance in the Owls' 28-14 victory over Bowling Green on Saturday at Lincoln Financial Field. Temple's Mebane posted a game and career-high 15 total tackles and forced a key fumble to help snap a 20-game losing streak and earn head coach Al Golden his first win at the helm.
Mebane's nationally-recognized afternoon was highlighted by a crucial first and goal play for the Falcons at the Owls' two-yard line. With the score knotted at seven, Bowling Green redshirt freshman RB Chris Bullock, who had 182 yards and two scores, was met head-on by Mebane, a Los Angeles, Calif. native, at the one-yard line and fumbled the ball out of the back of the end zone for a touchback. The Owls' ensuing possession went 80 yards on nine plays and was capped off by a 45-yard touchdown strike from redshirt sophomore QB Adam DiMichele to sophomore WR Bruce Francis. The 14-7 Temple lead, with 4:52 remaining in the first half, would never be relinquished.
The victory also earned Temple runner up for the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl National Team of the Week honors, as selected by the Football Writers Association of America. The honor went to Oregon State, which defeated No. 3 USC, 33-31.
Mebane was not the only Temple linebacker to earn national recognition for his performance on Saturday. True freshman Junior Galette's acrobatic punt block was ranked No. 2 on ESPN's college football plays of the week. With the Owls in an early 7-0 hole, the home squad forced a punt at the BGSU 47. On the play, Galette scaled an opposing offensive lineman and with his foot on the player's chest, blocked punter Alonso Rojas' attempt. On the next play, QB Adam DiMichele connected with Travis Shelton on a flea-flicker to tie the game and provide Temple a momentum that it did not see fit to return to the visitors.
Each week during the season, readers can select their pick for USA Today's Player of the Week. Choices will be made available on Sunday night while the fan vote, open through noon ET on Tuesday, will comprise one-third of the award. The other two-thirds of the award go to college football editor Erick Smith and Gannett columnist Mike Lopresti. USA Today will name its winner Tuesday. Vote for Walter here!
