Temple University Athletics
Temple Hosts Kent State in Home Finale on Friday
11.21.11 | Football
Kickoff is Set for Noon at Lincoln Financial Field
Gamenotes in PDF
Press Conference video:
Addazio, part I
part II
part III
Griffin
THIS WEEK
Temple closes out the regular season with Kent State at Lincoln Financial Field on Friday, Nov. 25 at Noon. The Senior Class will be honored during a pregame ceremony.
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 7-4 overall and 4-3 in MAC play after a 42-14 win over Army. 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 1,192 yards and a single-season record 22 touchdowns on 224 carries. Senior TE Evan Rodriguez (North Bergen, N.J.) is the top receiver with 424 yards and two touchdowns on 32 receptions. Sophomore QB Chris Coyer (Oak Hill, Va.) is 22-of-38 for 294 yards and five touchdowns. Senior LB Stephen Johnson (Norristown, Pa.) leads the defense with 99 tackles, including a team-best 56 solos, five break-ups, four TFL, two sacks, and two forced fumbles.
In the national rankings, Temple ranks among the nation's Top 20 in nine categories, including No. 4 in scoring defense (13.64), No. 7 in rushing offense (261.64), No. 11 in kickoff returns (24.93), No. 12 in net punting (39.47), and No. 13 in total defense (311.18). Individually, junior RB Bernard Pierce is No. 3 in scoring (13.20 ppg) and No. 12 in rushing (119.20). Junior PK Brandon McManus (Hatfield, Pa.) is No. 5 in punting (46.16). Junior RB Matt Brown (Baltimore, Md.) is No. 23 in punt returns (9.88) and No. 23 in all-purpose running (145.00). Over the last three seasons, Temple is 18-2 when Pierce carries the ball at least 18 times per game.
Kent State, under the guidance of first-year head coach Darrell Hazell (Cinnaminson, N.J.), is 5-6 overall and 4-3 in MAC play following a 28-21 win over Eastern Michigan. The Golden Eagles, who are riding their first four-game winning streak since 2006, return 18 starters to their multiple offense and 4-3 defense.
Freshman RB Trayion Durham is the Golden Flashes' top rusher with 570 yards and four touchdowns on 170 carries. Senior WR Sam Kirkland has 29 receptions for 259 yards.?Junior QB?Spencer Keith is 142-of-285 for 1,422 yards and 10 touchdowns. Junior LB Luke Batton leads all defenders with 65 tackles, including 7.5 TFL, and a blocked kick.
Kent State is No. 13 in turnover margin (0.91), No. 14 in pass efficiency defense (111.66), No. 22 in total defense (327.18), and No. 22 in tackles for loss (7.00). Sophomore DL Roosevelt Nix is No. 10 in tackles for loss (1.55), while sophomore S Luke Wollet is No. 18 in interceptions (0.36).
SENIOR STATUS
Prior to Friday's home finale, Temple will recognize the achievements of its Senior Class. This fall, Temple honors 19 seniors— TE Matt Balasavage (Lancaster, Pa.), DE Morris Blueford (Chesapeake, Va.), OL Pat Boyle (Towson, Md.), DE Morkeith Brown (Harrisburg, Pa.), OL Derek Dennis (Peekskill, N.Y.), DB Kee-ayre Griffin (East Orange, N.J.), LB Stephen Johnson (Norristown, Pa.), WR Joe Jones (Hollywood, Fla.), DB Kevin Kroboth (Nazareth, Pa.), OL John Palumbo (Lyndhurst, N.J.), DB Deonte Parker (Lakeland, Fla.), DE Adrian Robinson (Harrisburg, Pa.), TE Evan Rodriguez (North Bergen, N.J.), OL Jeremy Schonbrunner (Salisbury, Md.), QB Chester Stewart (Hanover, Md.), WR Rod Streater (Burlington, N.J.), OL Wayne Tribue (York, Pa.), LB Quinten White (Philadelphia, Pa.), and LB Tahir Whitehead (Newark, N.J.).
The 2011 Owl seniors are the winningest four-year class in school history. They are the first class in school history to be bowl eligible in three consecutive years. They have won more conference games than any other class in school history; They have recorded three consecutive winning seasons and out-scored opponents in four straight seasons. These seniors will also be the first Owls in school history to participate in two bowl games.
TEMPLE-KENT STATE CONNECTIONS
Temple has no players on its roster from the state of Ohio.
Kent State has six players from Pennsylvania, and just one— r-freshman RB Robert Hollomon (West Catholic)— from Philadelphia.
Temple outside linebackers coach Ben Albert was the defensive line coach at Rutgers during the 2001 season when Kent State head coach Darrell Hazell served as the Scarlet Knights' wide receivers coach.
TEMPLE-KENT STATE— THE SERIES
Friday's game is the sixth meeting between the Owls and the Golden Flashes. Temple holds a one-game edge, 3-2.
Last fall at Dix Stadium, Temple claimed a 28-10 road win. QB Mike Gerardi threw 21-of-29 for 368 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for another. In just his third start behind center, Gerardi set the Temple record for most passing yards by a first-year starter at quarterback.
In Philadelphia in 2009, true freshman RB Matt Brown rushed for 156 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Owls to a 47-13 win on Senior Day. True freshman PK Brandon McManus had two field goals and five PATs on the day, while Delano Green scored back-to-back TDs in the fourth quarter, first on a 52-yard punt return and then a 50-yard run from scrimmage.
During 2008's Wednesday night game at Dix Stadium, the home team prevailed with a 41-38 victory. The loss eliminated the Cherry and White from contention in the Mid-American Conference East Division race.
Despite the outcome, the Temple seniors had a big night. QB Adam DiMichele completed 17 of 29 passes for 282 yards and three touchdowns. WR Jason Harper made a career-high 10 catches for 209 yards and two touchdowns. WR Travis Shelton made two kickoff returns, including a 92-yard TD return, to add to his career kickoff return yardage record. WR Bruce Francis made a 32-yard TD reception at the end of the first half to set the record for most career touchdown receptions.
In 2007 in Philadelphia, Temple used a balanced rushing attack and four interceptions in the second half to defeat Kent State, 24-14, at Lincoln Financial Field. The win was the Owls' fourth conference victory in Mid-American play. It marked the first time since 1967 that the Owls had won four conference games in a season. The victory also marked the first time since 2002 that Temple had won four games in a season.
PK Jake Brownell made a career-high four field goals, connecting on kicks of 26, 27, 30 and 32 yards. While the Owls statistically dominated the game, out-gaining Kent State 375 to 124 and winning the time of possession battle by more than 17 minutes, they found themselves trailing in the fourth quarter due to missed first-half opportunities.
SERIES INFORMATION
Temple all-time vs. Kent State: 3-2
Temple in games at Temple: 2-1
Temple in games at Kent State: 1-1
Temple in games at a neutral site: 0-0
First meeting in series: 2006 at Lincoln Financial Field, L, 17-28
Last meeting in series: 20010 at Dix Stadium, W, 28-10
SERIES HIGHS
Temple Owls
Rushing: Matt Brown 18-156, 2 TDs (2009)
Passing: Mike Gerardi, 21-29-2-368, 2 TDs (2010)
Receiving: Jason Harper, 10-209, 2 TDs (2008)
Kent State Golden Flashes
Rushing: Eugene Jarvis, 34-185, 1 TD (2008)
Passing: Spencer Keith, 18-31-1-232, 1 TD (2009)
Julian Edelman, 18-26-1-232, 1 TD (2008)
Receiving: Tyshon Goode, 4-65 (2009)
Year Site Results TU Coach Kent State Coach
2006 Lincoln Financial Field L, 28-17 Al Golden Doug Martin
2007 Lincoln Financial Field W, 24-14 Al Golden Doug Martin
2008 Dix Stadium L, 41-38 Al Golden Doug Martin
2009 Lincoln Financial Field W, 47-13 Al Golden Doug Martin
2010 Dix Stadium W, 28-10 Al Golden Doug Martin
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 16-4.
• Temple's 38-7 win at Maryland was the first win in school history over an ACC team.
• “Our staff, both sides, our players, it was a team win for us a great team win. In November it is really critical that you're playing that kind of football. We played a really physical brand of football.”
— Steve Addazio following the win over Army
UP NEXT
Temple awaits its fourth bowl berth. Bowl Selection Sunday is Dec. 4.
Press Conference video:
Addazio, part I
part II
part III
Griffin
THIS WEEK
Temple closes out the regular season with Kent State at Lincoln Financial Field on Friday, Nov. 25 at Noon. The Senior Class will be honored during a pregame ceremony.
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 7-4 overall and 4-3 in MAC play after a 42-14 win over Army. 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 1,192 yards and a single-season record 22 touchdowns on 224 carries. Senior TE Evan Rodriguez (North Bergen, N.J.) is the top receiver with 424 yards and two touchdowns on 32 receptions. Sophomore QB Chris Coyer (Oak Hill, Va.) is 22-of-38 for 294 yards and five touchdowns. Senior LB Stephen Johnson (Norristown, Pa.) leads the defense with 99 tackles, including a team-best 56 solos, five break-ups, four TFL, two sacks, and two forced fumbles.
In the national rankings, Temple ranks among the nation's Top 20 in nine categories, including No. 4 in scoring defense (13.64), No. 7 in rushing offense (261.64), No. 11 in kickoff returns (24.93), No. 12 in net punting (39.47), and No. 13 in total defense (311.18). Individually, junior RB Bernard Pierce is No. 3 in scoring (13.20 ppg) and No. 12 in rushing (119.20). Junior PK Brandon McManus (Hatfield, Pa.) is No. 5 in punting (46.16). Junior RB Matt Brown (Baltimore, Md.) is No. 23 in punt returns (9.88) and No. 23 in all-purpose running (145.00). Over the last three seasons, Temple is 18-2 when Pierce carries the ball at least 18 times per game.
Kent State, under the guidance of first-year head coach Darrell Hazell (Cinnaminson, N.J.), is 5-6 overall and 4-3 in MAC play following a 28-21 win over Eastern Michigan. The Golden Eagles, who are riding their first four-game winning streak since 2006, return 18 starters to their multiple offense and 4-3 defense.
Freshman RB Trayion Durham is the Golden Flashes' top rusher with 570 yards and four touchdowns on 170 carries. Senior WR Sam Kirkland has 29 receptions for 259 yards.?Junior QB?Spencer Keith is 142-of-285 for 1,422 yards and 10 touchdowns. Junior LB Luke Batton leads all defenders with 65 tackles, including 7.5 TFL, and a blocked kick.
Kent State is No. 13 in turnover margin (0.91), No. 14 in pass efficiency defense (111.66), No. 22 in total defense (327.18), and No. 22 in tackles for loss (7.00). Sophomore DL Roosevelt Nix is No. 10 in tackles for loss (1.55), while sophomore S Luke Wollet is No. 18 in interceptions (0.36).
SENIOR STATUS
Prior to Friday's home finale, Temple will recognize the achievements of its Senior Class. This fall, Temple honors 19 seniors— TE Matt Balasavage (Lancaster, Pa.), DE Morris Blueford (Chesapeake, Va.), OL Pat Boyle (Towson, Md.), DE Morkeith Brown (Harrisburg, Pa.), OL Derek Dennis (Peekskill, N.Y.), DB Kee-ayre Griffin (East Orange, N.J.), LB Stephen Johnson (Norristown, Pa.), WR Joe Jones (Hollywood, Fla.), DB Kevin Kroboth (Nazareth, Pa.), OL John Palumbo (Lyndhurst, N.J.), DB Deonte Parker (Lakeland, Fla.), DE Adrian Robinson (Harrisburg, Pa.), TE Evan Rodriguez (North Bergen, N.J.), OL Jeremy Schonbrunner (Salisbury, Md.), QB Chester Stewart (Hanover, Md.), WR Rod Streater (Burlington, N.J.), OL Wayne Tribue (York, Pa.), LB Quinten White (Philadelphia, Pa.), and LB Tahir Whitehead (Newark, N.J.).
The 2011 Owl seniors are the winningest four-year class in school history. They are the first class in school history to be bowl eligible in three consecutive years. They have won more conference games than any other class in school history; They have recorded three consecutive winning seasons and out-scored opponents in four straight seasons. These seniors will also be the first Owls in school history to participate in two bowl games.
TEMPLE-KENT STATE CONNECTIONS
Temple has no players on its roster from the state of Ohio.
Kent State has six players from Pennsylvania, and just one— r-freshman RB Robert Hollomon (West Catholic)— from Philadelphia.
Temple outside linebackers coach Ben Albert was the defensive line coach at Rutgers during the 2001 season when Kent State head coach Darrell Hazell served as the Scarlet Knights' wide receivers coach.
TEMPLE-KENT STATE— THE SERIES
Friday's game is the sixth meeting between the Owls and the Golden Flashes. Temple holds a one-game edge, 3-2.
Last fall at Dix Stadium, Temple claimed a 28-10 road win. QB Mike Gerardi threw 21-of-29 for 368 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for another. In just his third start behind center, Gerardi set the Temple record for most passing yards by a first-year starter at quarterback.
In Philadelphia in 2009, true freshman RB Matt Brown rushed for 156 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Owls to a 47-13 win on Senior Day. True freshman PK Brandon McManus had two field goals and five PATs on the day, while Delano Green scored back-to-back TDs in the fourth quarter, first on a 52-yard punt return and then a 50-yard run from scrimmage.
During 2008's Wednesday night game at Dix Stadium, the home team prevailed with a 41-38 victory. The loss eliminated the Cherry and White from contention in the Mid-American Conference East Division race.
Despite the outcome, the Temple seniors had a big night. QB Adam DiMichele completed 17 of 29 passes for 282 yards and three touchdowns. WR Jason Harper made a career-high 10 catches for 209 yards and two touchdowns. WR Travis Shelton made two kickoff returns, including a 92-yard TD return, to add to his career kickoff return yardage record. WR Bruce Francis made a 32-yard TD reception at the end of the first half to set the record for most career touchdown receptions.
In 2007 in Philadelphia, Temple used a balanced rushing attack and four interceptions in the second half to defeat Kent State, 24-14, at Lincoln Financial Field. The win was the Owls' fourth conference victory in Mid-American play. It marked the first time since 1967 that the Owls had won four conference games in a season. The victory also marked the first time since 2002 that Temple had won four games in a season.
PK Jake Brownell made a career-high four field goals, connecting on kicks of 26, 27, 30 and 32 yards. While the Owls statistically dominated the game, out-gaining Kent State 375 to 124 and winning the time of possession battle by more than 17 minutes, they found themselves trailing in the fourth quarter due to missed first-half opportunities.
SERIES INFORMATION
Temple all-time vs. Kent State: 3-2
Temple in games at Temple: 2-1
Temple in games at Kent State: 1-1
Temple in games at a neutral site: 0-0
First meeting in series: 2006 at Lincoln Financial Field, L, 17-28
Last meeting in series: 20010 at Dix Stadium, W, 28-10
SERIES HIGHS
Temple Owls
Rushing: Matt Brown 18-156, 2 TDs (2009)
Passing: Mike Gerardi, 21-29-2-368, 2 TDs (2010)
Receiving: Jason Harper, 10-209, 2 TDs (2008)
Kent State Golden Flashes
Rushing: Eugene Jarvis, 34-185, 1 TD (2008)
Passing: Spencer Keith, 18-31-1-232, 1 TD (2009)
Julian Edelman, 18-26-1-232, 1 TD (2008)
Receiving: Tyshon Goode, 4-65 (2009)
Year Site Results TU Coach Kent State Coach
2006 Lincoln Financial Field L, 28-17 Al Golden Doug Martin
2007 Lincoln Financial Field W, 24-14 Al Golden Doug Martin
2008 Dix Stadium L, 41-38 Al Golden Doug Martin
2009 Lincoln Financial Field W, 47-13 Al Golden Doug Martin
2010 Dix Stadium W, 28-10 Al Golden Doug Martin
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 16-4.
• Temple's 38-7 win at Maryland was the first win in school history over an ACC team.
• “Our staff, both sides, our players, it was a team win for us a great team win. In November it is really critical that you're playing that kind of football. We played a really physical brand of football.”
— Steve Addazio following the win over Army
UP NEXT
Temple awaits its fourth bowl berth. Bowl Selection Sunday is Dec. 4.
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