Temple University Athletics
Bernard Pierce
Temple Hosts Buffalo in MAC Opener
9.21.09 | Football
Kickoff is Noon on Saturday at LFF
Gamenotes in PDF
THIS WEEK
Temple returns home to Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday, Sept. 26 to host Buffalo in the Mid-American Conference opener for both teams. Kickoff is set for Noon and will be televised nationally by ESPN Plus/GamePlan with Michael Reghi (play-by-play) and Doug Chapman (analyst) calling the action. The game will air locally on myPHL17. ESPN360.com will also broadcast the game live on the internet.
The Owls' radio broadcast will air on WHAT 1340 AM with Harry Donahue calling the play-by-play and Steve Joachim providing color analysis.
The 1979 Garden State Bowl championship team will be honored at the game [see pp. 15-16 for 1979 results, recap, and roster].
Al Golden joins thousands of coaches nationwide in all levels of collegiate football in raising awareness and research funding for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, the most prolific genetic killer diagnosed in childhood. On Saturday, AFCA members will wear a “Coach to Cure MD” patch on the sidelines. Fans can donate to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy research by going online to www.CoachtoCureMD.org or by texting the word “CURE” to 90999 [A $5 donation will automatically be added to your next phone bill. Standard test message rates apply.].
Under the direction of fourth-year head coach Al Golden, Temple stands 0-2 on the season. Last week, the Owls returned to action after a 16-day break (bye week) and dropped a 31-6 decision at No. 5 Penn State. The 2009 squad, featuring Golden's first recruiting class as seniors, returns 21 starters to 17 positions. The Owls utilize an East Coast offense and 4-3 defense.
On the ground, sophomore RB Kee-ayre Griffin leads the Owls with 112 yards and a touchdown on 32 carries. Redshirt junior QB Vaughn Charlton has thrown 34-of-61 for 522 yards and two touchdowns. Redshirt sophomore Joe Jones is the top receiver with 133 yards on eight catches.
Temple ranks among the nation's best in three defensive categories. The Owls are No. 10 nationally in sacks (3.50), No. 21 in tackles for loss (7.50), and No. 26 in passing offense (261.00). Buffalo ranks No. 23 in passing efficiency (157.60) and No. 24 in passing offense (270.50).
Saturday's game marks the fourth meeting between Golden and Turner Gill, who is in his fourth season as head coach at Buffalo. Gill owns a perfect 3-0 mark against the Owls, including last year's stunning 30-28 win as time expired.
Buffalo stands 1-2 on the season after a 23-17 loss at Central Florida. The Bulls return 13 starters to their multiple offense and 4-3 defense.
Junior RB Brandon Thermilus is the Bulls' leading rusher with 164 yards and a touchdown on 51 carries. Sophomore QB Zach Maynard is 58-of-89 for 743 yards and six touchdowns in three contests. Senior WR Naaman Roosevelt is the top receiver with 325 yards and three touchdowns on 20 receptions. Roosevelt sports a streak of 41 consecutive games with a reception, ranking No. 2 nationally.
COMMON TIES
Prior to joining the Owls, Temple assistant coaches Matt Rhule (offensive coordinator) and Andrew Dees (offensive line) were assistants at Buffalo. Rhule served as the assistant defensive line coach in 1999 and as the defensive line coach in 2000. Dees coached the tight ends from 2001-05.
Temple junior OL Marcus Brown and UB senior DB Kendric Hawkins hail from Upper Marlboro, The duo, along with TU sophomore QB Chester Stewart (Hanover, Md.), played their high school ball at DeMatha Catholic.
Other prep teammates reuniting this weekend will be Temple's sophomores OL Sean and Pat Boyle (Towson,?Md.) and UB's seniors DB Mike Newton (Pasadena, Md.) and DL Dane Robinson (Baltimore, Md.) who played at Calvert Hall HS.
Buffalo's athletics communications director Jon Fuller is a 1995 Temple graduate.
AGAINST THE HOME STATE
Overall, Temple has five players from the state of New York, mostly hailing from the New York City and Long Island areas. Junior PK Ryan Novak (Marcellus, N.Y.) lives upstate. Conversely, Buffalo has nine players from Pennsylvania, with only junior OL Jordan Jerrold (Fairless Hills / Pennsbury HS) from the Philadelphia suburban area.
TEMPLE-BUFFALO: THE SERIES
Saturday's game will mark the 14th meeting between the Owls and Bulls and the third in MAC play. Buffalo holds a 12-1 advantage in the series which began in 1957. Last season in Buffalo, the Bulls claimed a thrilling 30-28 win at UB Stadium as time expired.
SERIES INFORMATION
Temple all-time vs. Buffalo: 1-12
Temple in games at Temple: 0-6
Temple in games at Buffalo: 1-6
First meeting in series: 1957 at Temple Stadium; L, 13-6
Last meeting in series: 2008 at UB Stadium; L, 30-28
Temple's win: 1970 at Temple Stadium; W, 21-8
SERIES HIGHS
Temple Owls
Rushing: Tim Brown, 20-82, 0 TD?(2006)
Passing: John Waller, 35-62-440, 5 TDs (1968)
Receiving: Jerry Loviglio, 14-209 (1968)
Buffalo Bulls
Rushing: Mario Henry, 17-125, 1 TD?(2007)
Passing: Drew Willy, 29-42-348, 3 TD?(2008)
Receiving: Naaman Roosevelt, 8-132, 1?TD?(2008)
Year Site Results TU Coach UB Coach
1957 Temple Stadium L, 13-6 Peter P. Stevens Dick Offenhamer
1958 Rotary Field L, 54-6 Peter P. Stevens Dick Offenhamer
1959 Temple Stadium L, 28-14 Peter P. Stevens Dick Offenhamer
1960 Temple Stadium L, 21-12 George Makris Dick Offenhamer
1961 Rotary Field L, 30-3 George Makris Dick Offenhamer
1962 Temple Stadium L, 16-13 George Makris Dick Offenhamer
1967 Rotary Field L, 44-14 George Makris Doc Urich
1968 Temple Stadium L, 50-40 George Makris Doc Urich
1969 Rotary Field L, 33-0 George Makris Bob Deming
1970 Temple Stadium W, 21-8 Wayne Hardin Bob Deming
2006 UB Stadium L, 6-3 (ot) Al Golden Turner Gill
2007 Lincoln Financial Field L, 42-7 Al Golden Turner Gill
2008 UB Stadium L, 30-28 Al Golden Turner Gill
HOOT TOOTS ... OWL NOTES & QUOTES
• In its first three games this season, Temple faces teams whose school colors are blue and white (Villanova, Penn State, Buffalo).
• Five of Temple's 2009 opponents went on to postseason play last fall— Ball State [MAC Championship & GMAC Bowl], Buffalo [MAC Championship & International Bowl], Navy [EagleBank Bowl], Penn State [Rose Bowl], and Villanova [NCAA quarterfinals].
• Temple enters its third season of MAC play. Each year the Owls have opened the conference slate against the same opponent— Buffalo.
• “Coming into the game, it was about poise and unity. I thought we stayed together. Our poise wasn't very good. The younger guys have to learn from this. Hopefully next year that 'awe' factor will be reduced even more. Then basically, let's get dressed and get out of here. We've got Buffalo coming in, and we've got our whole season in front of us.” — Al Golden following the game at PSU
UP NEXT
Temple travels to Eastern Michigan on Oct. 3 for a 1 p.m. contest.
THIS WEEK
Temple returns home to Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday, Sept. 26 to host Buffalo in the Mid-American Conference opener for both teams. Kickoff is set for Noon and will be televised nationally by ESPN Plus/GamePlan with Michael Reghi (play-by-play) and Doug Chapman (analyst) calling the action. The game will air locally on myPHL17. ESPN360.com will also broadcast the game live on the internet.
The Owls' radio broadcast will air on WHAT 1340 AM with Harry Donahue calling the play-by-play and Steve Joachim providing color analysis.
The 1979 Garden State Bowl championship team will be honored at the game [see pp. 15-16 for 1979 results, recap, and roster].
Al Golden joins thousands of coaches nationwide in all levels of collegiate football in raising awareness and research funding for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, the most prolific genetic killer diagnosed in childhood. On Saturday, AFCA members will wear a “Coach to Cure MD” patch on the sidelines. Fans can donate to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy research by going online to www.CoachtoCureMD.org or by texting the word “CURE” to 90999 [A $5 donation will automatically be added to your next phone bill. Standard test message rates apply.].
Under the direction of fourth-year head coach Al Golden, Temple stands 0-2 on the season. Last week, the Owls returned to action after a 16-day break (bye week) and dropped a 31-6 decision at No. 5 Penn State. The 2009 squad, featuring Golden's first recruiting class as seniors, returns 21 starters to 17 positions. The Owls utilize an East Coast offense and 4-3 defense.
On the ground, sophomore RB Kee-ayre Griffin leads the Owls with 112 yards and a touchdown on 32 carries. Redshirt junior QB Vaughn Charlton has thrown 34-of-61 for 522 yards and two touchdowns. Redshirt sophomore Joe Jones is the top receiver with 133 yards on eight catches.
Temple ranks among the nation's best in three defensive categories. The Owls are No. 10 nationally in sacks (3.50), No. 21 in tackles for loss (7.50), and No. 26 in passing offense (261.00). Buffalo ranks No. 23 in passing efficiency (157.60) and No. 24 in passing offense (270.50).
Saturday's game marks the fourth meeting between Golden and Turner Gill, who is in his fourth season as head coach at Buffalo. Gill owns a perfect 3-0 mark against the Owls, including last year's stunning 30-28 win as time expired.
Buffalo stands 1-2 on the season after a 23-17 loss at Central Florida. The Bulls return 13 starters to their multiple offense and 4-3 defense.
Junior RB Brandon Thermilus is the Bulls' leading rusher with 164 yards and a touchdown on 51 carries. Sophomore QB Zach Maynard is 58-of-89 for 743 yards and six touchdowns in three contests. Senior WR Naaman Roosevelt is the top receiver with 325 yards and three touchdowns on 20 receptions. Roosevelt sports a streak of 41 consecutive games with a reception, ranking No. 2 nationally.
COMMON TIES
Prior to joining the Owls, Temple assistant coaches Matt Rhule (offensive coordinator) and Andrew Dees (offensive line) were assistants at Buffalo. Rhule served as the assistant defensive line coach in 1999 and as the defensive line coach in 2000. Dees coached the tight ends from 2001-05.
Temple junior OL Marcus Brown and UB senior DB Kendric Hawkins hail from Upper Marlboro, The duo, along with TU sophomore QB Chester Stewart (Hanover, Md.), played their high school ball at DeMatha Catholic.
Other prep teammates reuniting this weekend will be Temple's sophomores OL Sean and Pat Boyle (Towson,?Md.) and UB's seniors DB Mike Newton (Pasadena, Md.) and DL Dane Robinson (Baltimore, Md.) who played at Calvert Hall HS.
Buffalo's athletics communications director Jon Fuller is a 1995 Temple graduate.
AGAINST THE HOME STATE
Overall, Temple has five players from the state of New York, mostly hailing from the New York City and Long Island areas. Junior PK Ryan Novak (Marcellus, N.Y.) lives upstate. Conversely, Buffalo has nine players from Pennsylvania, with only junior OL Jordan Jerrold (Fairless Hills / Pennsbury HS) from the Philadelphia suburban area.
TEMPLE-BUFFALO: THE SERIES
Saturday's game will mark the 14th meeting between the Owls and Bulls and the third in MAC play. Buffalo holds a 12-1 advantage in the series which began in 1957. Last season in Buffalo, the Bulls claimed a thrilling 30-28 win at UB Stadium as time expired.
SERIES INFORMATION
Temple all-time vs. Buffalo: 1-12
Temple in games at Temple: 0-6
Temple in games at Buffalo: 1-6
First meeting in series: 1957 at Temple Stadium; L, 13-6
Last meeting in series: 2008 at UB Stadium; L, 30-28
Temple's win: 1970 at Temple Stadium; W, 21-8
SERIES HIGHS
Temple Owls
Rushing: Tim Brown, 20-82, 0 TD?(2006)
Passing: John Waller, 35-62-440, 5 TDs (1968)
Receiving: Jerry Loviglio, 14-209 (1968)
Buffalo Bulls
Rushing: Mario Henry, 17-125, 1 TD?(2007)
Passing: Drew Willy, 29-42-348, 3 TD?(2008)
Receiving: Naaman Roosevelt, 8-132, 1?TD?(2008)
Year Site Results TU Coach UB Coach
1957 Temple Stadium L, 13-6 Peter P. Stevens Dick Offenhamer
1958 Rotary Field L, 54-6 Peter P. Stevens Dick Offenhamer
1959 Temple Stadium L, 28-14 Peter P. Stevens Dick Offenhamer
1960 Temple Stadium L, 21-12 George Makris Dick Offenhamer
1961 Rotary Field L, 30-3 George Makris Dick Offenhamer
1962 Temple Stadium L, 16-13 George Makris Dick Offenhamer
1967 Rotary Field L, 44-14 George Makris Doc Urich
1968 Temple Stadium L, 50-40 George Makris Doc Urich
1969 Rotary Field L, 33-0 George Makris Bob Deming
1970 Temple Stadium W, 21-8 Wayne Hardin Bob Deming
2006 UB Stadium L, 6-3 (ot) Al Golden Turner Gill
2007 Lincoln Financial Field L, 42-7 Al Golden Turner Gill
2008 UB Stadium L, 30-28 Al Golden Turner Gill
HOOT TOOTS ... OWL NOTES & QUOTES
• In its first three games this season, Temple faces teams whose school colors are blue and white (Villanova, Penn State, Buffalo).
• Five of Temple's 2009 opponents went on to postseason play last fall— Ball State [MAC Championship & GMAC Bowl], Buffalo [MAC Championship & International Bowl], Navy [EagleBank Bowl], Penn State [Rose Bowl], and Villanova [NCAA quarterfinals].
• Temple enters its third season of MAC play. Each year the Owls have opened the conference slate against the same opponent— Buffalo.
• “Coming into the game, it was about poise and unity. I thought we stayed together. Our poise wasn't very good. The younger guys have to learn from this. Hopefully next year that 'awe' factor will be reduced even more. Then basically, let's get dressed and get out of here. We've got Buffalo coming in, and we've got our whole season in front of us.” — Al Golden following the game at PSU
UP NEXT
Temple travels to Eastern Michigan on Oct. 3 for a 1 p.m. contest.
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