Temple University Athletics
Penn State Defense Shuts Down Temple, 47-0
11.11.06 | Football
Nov. 11, 2006
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STATE COLLEGE, PA - Senior running back Tony Hunt rushed for a career-high 160 and scored four touchdowns and senior All-America linebacker Paul Posluszny led a suffocating defensive attack in leading Penn State to a 47-0 win over visiting Temple on a rainy Saturday afternoon in front of 105,950 fans at Beaver Stadium. The 105,903 fans marked the largest crowd to watch a Temple football game, surpassing the 101,553 fans that watched the Temple-Penn State game in 2003, a 23-10 Nittany Lion win at Beaver Stadium.
Penn State, playing without Hall of Fame head coach Joe Paterno for the first time since 1977, gained 411 yards of total offense to Temple's season-low 74 yards. The Nittany Lion defense held Temple to a season-low two first downs. Paterno, who was at his home recuperating from a broken leg and torn ligaments suffered in the third quarter of last week's Wisconsin game, had to be pleased with his team's play.
The PSU win spoiled the return of Temple head coach Al Golden, a former Nittany Lion tight end ('87-91) and assistant coach (2000). Golden is one of four Temple coaches that played at Penn State. Defensive coordinator Mark D'Onfrio ('88-91), running backs coach Jeff Nixon ('95-96) and defensive line coach Matt Rhule ('94-97) also played under Paterno during their collegiate careers.
The game started well for the Owls, but quickly went downhill. Senior cornerback David Reese intercepted Anthony Morelli's first pass at midfield. Unfortunately Temple gave the ball right back as sophomore Travis Shelton fumbled on Temple's first play from scrimmage. Posluszny, who led PSU with seven tackles (three for loss), forced the fumble which was recovered at the Temple 48 by Tim Shaw.
Hunt, who became the sixth PSU player to rush for 1,000 yards in two seasons, then scored his first touchdown, a 22-yard run, to make it 7-0 with 11:16 to play in the first quarter.
Temple gave Penn State even better field position on its next possession. On a fourth-and-seven play, running back Jason Harper took the snap on a fake punt and completed a wobbly pass to Reese that fell a yard short of a first down, giving PSU the ball on the Temple 42.
Hunt, who also became the fifth Nittany Lion to reach the 3,000 yard plateau in the contest, carried twice, first for 16 yards and the second for a 26-yard TD to make it 14-0.
On Temple's next possession, Penn State's defense again forced Temple into a punting situation after three downs. Red-shirt freshman Jake Brownell then booted a 53-yard punt which was negated by an offsides penalty. The miscue was costly as Derrick Williams returned the ensuing punt 75 yards to pay dirt. That gave Penn State a 21-0 lead with just under seven minutes played in the contest.
Penn State added a Kevin Kelly 19-yard field goal on its opening possession of the second quarter. The field goal was set up following a 41-yard Hunt run. Temple held strong on a first-and-goal from the nine with freshman defensive back Wilbert Brinson, who later blocked an extra point in the fourth quarter, making two tackles and Reese knocking tight end Andrew Quarless out-of-bounds at the two yard-line on a third and six play.
Hunt capped the first half scoring when he broke free on an 11-yard touchdown run with 33 seconds remaining in the half to give Penn State a 31-0 lead at intermission.
Penn State kept its starting offense in for its first possession of the second half, and Morelli (12-22-1, 159 yds), led his charges on a 12-play, 54-yard scoring drive culminating with an 11-yard TD pass to Hunt. Another Kelly field goal, and a one-yard touchdown plunge by reserve quarterback Daryll Clark closed out the game's scoring.
For the Owls, sophomore quarterback Adam DiMichele, who was constantly pressured by the PSU defense which entered the game tied for seventh nationally in sacks per game, completed seven of 17 passes for 52 yards. He was sacked just twice, once by Posluszny, and was intercepted once.
Brown had 21 tough yards on 14 carries while Mike Holley and Bruce Francis each had two receptions. Sophomore Terrance Knighton led the Owl defense with seven tackles and a forced fumble.
Temple closes out its season next Saturday when the Owls travel to Annapolis, Md. to take on the Midshipmen of Navy (12:30 p.m./CSTV/1210 AM).
