Temple University Athletics
Saturday, October 15
Lincoln Financial Field
1 p.m.
Temple University
vs
*BUFFALO [Homecoming]
Photo by: Mitchell Leff
Temple Hosts Buffalo in Homecoming Game on Saturday
10.10.11 | Football
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Lincoln Financial Field
Gamenotes in PDF
Press Conference Video:
Addazio, part I
part II
part III
Stewart
Kroboth
THIS WEEK
Temple returns home to Lincoln Financial Field on Oct. 15 to host Buffalo in its annual Homecoming game, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Lottery. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. The 2011 Temple Sports Hall of Fame Inductees will be introduced at halftime.
All-MACcess will carry live video streaming of the game. Live stats and video streaming will be available on the Temple Athletics website at www.OwlSports.com.
The Owls' radio broadcast will air on WPHT 1210 AM with Harry Donahue calling the play-by-play and Steve Joachim providing color analysis.
Under the direction of first-year head coach Steve Addazio, Temple stands 4-2 overall and 2-1 in MAC play after a 42-0 shutout at Ball State. The 2011 Temple squad returns 46 lettermen, including 13 starters. The Owls utilize a multiple offense and a 4-3 defense.
Junior RB Bernard Pierce (Ardmore, Pa.) leads all rushers with 692 yards and 15 touchdowns on 141 carries. Senior TE Evan Rodriguez (North Bergen, N.J.) is the top receiver with 281 yards and a touchdown on 19 receptions. Junior QB Mike Gerardi (Parsippany, N.J.) is 30-of-59 for 423 yards and three touchdowns, while senior QB Chester Stewart (Hanover, Md.) is 33-of-50 for 519 yards and two touchdowns. Senior LB Stephen Johnson (Norristown, Pa.) leads the defense with 52 tackles, including a team-best 33 solos, two break-ups, a sack, and a forced fumble.
In the national rankings, Temple ranks among the nation's Top 25 in nine categories, including No. 1 in kickoff returns (29.60), No. 7 in scoring defense (11.17), No. 8 in total defense (272.17), No. 9 in pass efficiency defense (103.18), No. 10 in sacks (3.00), and No. 11 in rushing offense (233.17). Individually, junior RB Bernard Pierce is No. 1 in the nation in rushing touchdowns (15), No. 2 in scoring (15.00 ppg), and No. 13 in rushing (115.33). Senior LB Tahir Whitehead (Newark, N.J.) is No. 9 in tackles for loss (1.67), while junior DB?Justin Gildea is No. 17 in interceptions (0.50). Junior RB Matt Brown (Baltimore, Md.) is No. 12 in kickoff returns (28.08) and No. 23 in punt returns (10.60). Over the last three seasons, Temple is 16-1 when Pierce carries the ball at least 18 times per game.
Buffalo, under the guidance of second-year head coach Jeff Quinn, is 2-4 overall and 1-1 in the MAC following a 38-37 win over Ohio. The Bulls return 12 starters to their spread offense and 3-4 defense.
Sophomore RB Branden Oliver, this week's MAC Offensive Player of the Week, is the Bulls' top rusher with 679 yards and eight touchdowns on 152 carries. Senior WR Marcus Rivers has 31 receptions for 325 yards and a touchdown. Senior QB Chazz Anderson is 109-of-191 for 1,224 yards and five touchdowns. Senior LB Fred Branch leads all defenders with 45 tackles, 15. TFL, and a fumble recovery.
Buffalo ranks No. 36 in turnover margin (0.50), No. 42 in sacks (2.17), and No. 47 in tackles for loss (6.17). Sophomore LB Khalil Mack is No. 4 in tackles for loss (2.00), while sophomore RB Branden Oliver is No. 16 in rushing (113.17).
HOMECOMING CHEER
Over the last five seasons, the Temple Owls are 4-1 in homecoming games. Last year TU beat Bowling Green, 28-27, as DB Marquise Liverpool broke up a two-point conversion as time expired to preserve the win.
In 2009, the Owls claimed a 27-13 win over Army. TU suffered its only homecoming loss to Western Michigan, 7-3, in 2008. In 2007, Temple beat Northern Illinois, 16-15.
2011 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
Four All-Americans, including a National Champion, are among the five former student-athletes and two national championship teams to be inducted into the Temple University Athletics Hall of Fame at the Owls' Homecoming football game. The Class of 2011 consists of Toni Byard-Jenkins (Field Hockey), Pete Dempsey (Baseball), Jack Hubbert (Golf), Carl Imhauser (Men's Gymnastics), and Alma Kovaci (Volleyball), as well as the 1982 and 1984 Women's Lacrosse teams.
TEMPLE-BUFFALO CONNECTIONS
Prior to joining the Owls, Temple assistant coach Matt Rhule served as the Bulls' assistant defensive line coach in 1999 and as the defensive line coach in 2000.
Buffalo's athletics communications director Jon Fuller is a 1995 Temple graduate.
AGAINST THE HOME STATE
Overall, Temple has six players from the state of New York, mostly hailing from the New York City and Long Island areas. Sophomore OL Scott Roorda (Westmoreland, N.Y.) and freshman walk-on QB Chad McCloskey (Gloversville, N.Y.) live upstate. Conversely, Buffalo has four players from Pennsylvania but none from the Philadelphia metropolitan area.
TEMPLE-BUFFALO: THE SERIES
Saturday's game will mark the 16th meeting between the Owls and Bulls and the fifth in MAC play. Buffalo holds a 12-3 advantage in the series which began in 1957.
Last fall in Buffalo, Temple claimed a 42-0 shutout for its sixth win on the year, becoming bowl eligible for the second consecutive season. The sophomore tandem of Bernard Pierce and Matt Brown both rushed for over 100 yards. QB Mike Gerardi passed for 131 yards and three touchdowns in his first collegiate start. Defensively, Temple forced four turnovers while holding BUffalo to mere 98 yards passing.
In the teams' meeting in 2009, Temple took advantage of miscues en route to a 37-13 win at Lincoln Financial Field for its first win over the Bulls in MAC play. James Nixon returned a 92-yard kickoff for the Owls' first touchdown. Seconds before intermission, LB?Elijah Joseph scored his first collegiate TD on a 95-yard interception return.
During the Owls' 2008 trip to Buffalo, the Bulls claimed a thrilling 30-28 win at UB Stadium as time expired.
SERIES INFORMATION
Temple all-time vs. Buffalo: 3-12
Temple in games at Temple: 1-6
Temple in games at Buffalo: 2-6
First meeting in series: 1957 at Temple Stadium; L, 13-6
Last meeting in series: 2010 at UB Stadium; W, 42-0
Temple's first win: 1970 at Temple Stadium; W, 21-8
SERIES HIGHS
Temple Owls
Rushing: Bernard Pierce, 23-106, 2 TDs (2010)
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, 9-3 (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
2009 Lincoln Financial Field W, 37-13 Al Golden Turner Gill
2010 UB Stadium W, 42-0 Al Golden Jeff Quinn
HOOT TOOTS ... OWL NOTES & QUOTES
• Seven of Temple's 2011 opponents— Villanova (FCS semifinal), Penn State (Outback Bowl), Maryland (Military Bowl), Toledo (Little Caesar's Bowl), Ohio (R+L Carriers Bowl), Miami (GoDaddy.com Bowl), and Army (Armed Forces Bowl)— participated in postseason play.
• Since joining the MAC in 2007, the Owls own the league's best home record for MAC games at 13-4.
• Temple's 38-7 win at Maryland was the first win in school history over an ACC team.
• “As I told the guys in [the locker room], this was a great team win. We had to respond, come back out here on the road and play this way. And we did.”
— Steve Addazio following the win at Ball State
UP NEXT
Temple begins a two-game road trip with a stop at Bowling Green on Oct. 22. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. at Doyt Perry Stadium. The Buckeye Cable Sports Network will televise the game throughout Ohio.
Press Conference Video:
Addazio, part I
part II
part III
Stewart
Kroboth
THIS WEEK
Temple returns home to Lincoln Financial Field on Oct. 15 to host Buffalo in its annual Homecoming game, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Lottery. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. The 2011 Temple Sports Hall of Fame Inductees will be introduced at halftime.
All-MACcess will carry live video streaming of the game. Live stats and video streaming will be available on the Temple Athletics website at www.OwlSports.com.
The Owls' radio broadcast will air on WPHT 1210 AM with Harry Donahue calling the play-by-play and Steve Joachim providing color analysis.
Under the direction of first-year head coach Steve Addazio, Temple stands 4-2 overall and 2-1 in MAC play after a 42-0 shutout at Ball State. The 2011 Temple squad returns 46 lettermen, including 13 starters. The Owls utilize a multiple offense and a 4-3 defense.
Junior RB Bernard Pierce (Ardmore, Pa.) leads all rushers with 692 yards and 15 touchdowns on 141 carries. Senior TE Evan Rodriguez (North Bergen, N.J.) is the top receiver with 281 yards and a touchdown on 19 receptions. Junior QB Mike Gerardi (Parsippany, N.J.) is 30-of-59 for 423 yards and three touchdowns, while senior QB Chester Stewart (Hanover, Md.) is 33-of-50 for 519 yards and two touchdowns. Senior LB Stephen Johnson (Norristown, Pa.) leads the defense with 52 tackles, including a team-best 33 solos, two break-ups, a sack, and a forced fumble.
In the national rankings, Temple ranks among the nation's Top 25 in nine categories, including No. 1 in kickoff returns (29.60), No. 7 in scoring defense (11.17), No. 8 in total defense (272.17), No. 9 in pass efficiency defense (103.18), No. 10 in sacks (3.00), and No. 11 in rushing offense (233.17). Individually, junior RB Bernard Pierce is No. 1 in the nation in rushing touchdowns (15), No. 2 in scoring (15.00 ppg), and No. 13 in rushing (115.33). Senior LB Tahir Whitehead (Newark, N.J.) is No. 9 in tackles for loss (1.67), while junior DB?Justin Gildea is No. 17 in interceptions (0.50). Junior RB Matt Brown (Baltimore, Md.) is No. 12 in kickoff returns (28.08) and No. 23 in punt returns (10.60). Over the last three seasons, Temple is 16-1 when Pierce carries the ball at least 18 times per game.
Buffalo, under the guidance of second-year head coach Jeff Quinn, is 2-4 overall and 1-1 in the MAC following a 38-37 win over Ohio. The Bulls return 12 starters to their spread offense and 3-4 defense.
Sophomore RB Branden Oliver, this week's MAC Offensive Player of the Week, is the Bulls' top rusher with 679 yards and eight touchdowns on 152 carries. Senior WR Marcus Rivers has 31 receptions for 325 yards and a touchdown. Senior QB Chazz Anderson is 109-of-191 for 1,224 yards and five touchdowns. Senior LB Fred Branch leads all defenders with 45 tackles, 15. TFL, and a fumble recovery.
Buffalo ranks No. 36 in turnover margin (0.50), No. 42 in sacks (2.17), and No. 47 in tackles for loss (6.17). Sophomore LB Khalil Mack is No. 4 in tackles for loss (2.00), while sophomore RB Branden Oliver is No. 16 in rushing (113.17).
HOMECOMING CHEER
Over the last five seasons, the Temple Owls are 4-1 in homecoming games. Last year TU beat Bowling Green, 28-27, as DB Marquise Liverpool broke up a two-point conversion as time expired to preserve the win.
In 2009, the Owls claimed a 27-13 win over Army. TU suffered its only homecoming loss to Western Michigan, 7-3, in 2008. In 2007, Temple beat Northern Illinois, 16-15.
2011 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
Four All-Americans, including a National Champion, are among the five former student-athletes and two national championship teams to be inducted into the Temple University Athletics Hall of Fame at the Owls' Homecoming football game. The Class of 2011 consists of Toni Byard-Jenkins (Field Hockey), Pete Dempsey (Baseball), Jack Hubbert (Golf), Carl Imhauser (Men's Gymnastics), and Alma Kovaci (Volleyball), as well as the 1982 and 1984 Women's Lacrosse teams.
TEMPLE-BUFFALO CONNECTIONS
Prior to joining the Owls, Temple assistant coach Matt Rhule served as the Bulls' assistant defensive line coach in 1999 and as the defensive line coach in 2000.
Buffalo's athletics communications director Jon Fuller is a 1995 Temple graduate.
AGAINST THE HOME STATE
Overall, Temple has six players from the state of New York, mostly hailing from the New York City and Long Island areas. Sophomore OL Scott Roorda (Westmoreland, N.Y.) and freshman walk-on QB Chad McCloskey (Gloversville, N.Y.) live upstate. Conversely, Buffalo has four players from Pennsylvania but none from the Philadelphia metropolitan area.
TEMPLE-BUFFALO: THE SERIES
Saturday's game will mark the 16th meeting between the Owls and Bulls and the fifth in MAC play. Buffalo holds a 12-3 advantage in the series which began in 1957.
Last fall in Buffalo, Temple claimed a 42-0 shutout for its sixth win on the year, becoming bowl eligible for the second consecutive season. The sophomore tandem of Bernard Pierce and Matt Brown both rushed for over 100 yards. QB Mike Gerardi passed for 131 yards and three touchdowns in his first collegiate start. Defensively, Temple forced four turnovers while holding BUffalo to mere 98 yards passing.
In the teams' meeting in 2009, Temple took advantage of miscues en route to a 37-13 win at Lincoln Financial Field for its first win over the Bulls in MAC play. James Nixon returned a 92-yard kickoff for the Owls' first touchdown. Seconds before intermission, LB?Elijah Joseph scored his first collegiate TD on a 95-yard interception return.
During the Owls' 2008 trip to Buffalo, the Bulls claimed a thrilling 30-28 win at UB Stadium as time expired.
SERIES INFORMATION
Temple all-time vs. Buffalo: 3-12
Temple in games at Temple: 1-6
Temple in games at Buffalo: 2-6
First meeting in series: 1957 at Temple Stadium; L, 13-6
Last meeting in series: 2010 at UB Stadium; W, 42-0
Temple's first win: 1970 at Temple Stadium; W, 21-8
SERIES HIGHS
Temple Owls
Rushing: Bernard Pierce, 23-106, 2 TDs (2010)
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, 9-3 (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
2009 Lincoln Financial Field W, 37-13 Al Golden Turner Gill
2010 UB Stadium W, 42-0 Al Golden Jeff Quinn
HOOT TOOTS ... OWL NOTES & QUOTES
• Seven of Temple's 2011 opponents— Villanova (FCS semifinal), Penn State (Outback Bowl), Maryland (Military Bowl), Toledo (Little Caesar's Bowl), Ohio (R+L Carriers Bowl), Miami (GoDaddy.com Bowl), and Army (Armed Forces Bowl)— participated in postseason play.
• Since joining the MAC in 2007, the Owls own the league's best home record for MAC games at 13-4.
• Temple's 38-7 win at Maryland was the first win in school history over an ACC team.
• “As I told the guys in [the locker room], this was a great team win. We had to respond, come back out here on the road and play this way. And we did.”
— Steve Addazio following the win at Ball State
UP NEXT
Temple begins a two-game road trip with a stop at Bowling Green on Oct. 22. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. at Doyt Perry Stadium. The Buckeye Cable Sports Network will televise the game throughout Ohio.
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