Temple University Athletics
LB Stephen Johnson
Photo by: Mitchell Leff
Temple Kicks off Bowl Season with Wyoming in 2011 Gildan New Mexico Bowl on Saturday
12.12.11 | Football, Owl Bowl
Kickoff is Set for Noon MT / 2 p.m. ET on ESPN
Gamenotes in PDF
Bowl Guide
Press conference video:
Addazio, part I
part II
Coyer
TEMPLE TO FACE WYOMING IN GILDAN NEW MEXICO BOWL
Temple faces Wyoming in the 2011 Gildan New Mexico Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 17 at UNM Stadium in Albuquerque, N.M. Kickoff is set for Noon MT (2 p.m. ET) on ESPN. Clay Matvick (pbp), Brian Griese (analyst), and Jessica Mendoza (sideline) will broadcast the game.
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 8-4 overall and 5-3 in MAC (2nd East) play after a 34-14 win over Kent 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 1,381 yards and a single-season record 25 touchdowns on 248 carries. Senior TE Evan Rodriguez (North Bergen, N.J.) is the top receiver with 427 yards and two touchdowns on 33 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 113 tackles, including a team-best 62 solos, five break-ups, four TFL, three forced fumbles, and two sacks.
In the national rankings, Temple ranks among the nation's Top 25 in 10 categories, including No. 3 in scoring defense (13.83) [behind Alabama and LSU], No. 4 in kickoff returns (26.61), No. 7 in rushing offense (256.67), No. 13 in net punting (39.49), and No. 15 in total defense (315.50). Individually, junior RB Bernard Pierce is No. 2 in scoring (13.64 ppg), No. 2 in rushing TDs (25), and No. 6 in rushing (125.55). Junior PK/P Brandon McManus (Hatfield, Pa.) is No. 5 in punting (45.89). Junior RB Matt Brown (Baltimore, Md.) is No. 16 in kickoff returns (26.73) and No. 20 in all-purpose running (145.92). Over the last three seasons, Temple is 19-2 when Pierce carries the ball at least 18 times per game.
TEMPLE'S BOWL HISTORY
The Owls are making their fourth bowl appearance in school history and second in the last three seasons. Temple participated in the inaugural Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1, 1935, under head coach Glenn “Pop” Warner. The Owls fell to host Tulane, 20-14.
Temple captured its first bowl win in the 1979 Garden State Bowl under head coach Wayne Hardin. The Owls ended the most successful season in school history with a 28-17 victory over California.
In 2009, Temple returned to bowl action for the first time in 30 years. The Owls, coached by Al Golden, fell to UCLA, 30-21, at the EagleBank Bowl in Washington, D.C.
Temple was bowl eligible in 2010 (8-4 record) and in 1990 (7-4 record) but did not receive a bowl invitation.
SCOUTING WYOMING
Wyoming, under the guidance of third-year head coach and Mountain West Coach of the Year Dave Christensen, is 8-4 overall and 5-2 in Mountain West Conference play following a 22-19 win at Colorado State. The Cowboys return 16 starters to their spread offense and 4-3/multiple defense.
Junior RB Alvester Alexander is the Cowboys' top rusher with 678 yards and six touchdowns on 145 carries. Junior WR Chris McNeill has 42 receptions for 504 yards and four touchdowns. Freshman QB Brett Smith, the MWC Freshman of the Year, is 233-of-385 for 2,495 yards and 18 touchdowns. Junior SS Luke Ruff leads all defenders with 97 tackles and a forced fumble.
Nationally, Wyoming is No. 4 in turnover margin (1.25), No. 12 in sacks allowed (0.92), and No. 13 in punt returns (13.38). Freshman CB Blair Burns is No. 23 in interceptions (0.33), while freshman QB Brett Smith is No. 31 in total offense (261.67).
BOWL HISTORY
Wyoming is making its 13th bowl appearance and second appearance in the New Mexico Bowl. The Cowboys captured a 35-28 double overtime win over Fresno State in the 2009 New Mexico Bowl. Riding a two-game bowl winning streak, Wyoming stands 6-6 overall in bowl games. UW won the 2004 Las Vegas Bowl, defeating UCLA, 24-21.
TEMPLE-WYOMING CONNECTIONS
Temple has no players on its roster from Wyoming.
Wyoming's roster has no players from Pennsylvania and just one player from the East Coast— senior WR Mazi Ogbonna (Westbury, N.Y. / Hicksville).
COMMON OPPONENTS
Temple and Wyoming share one common opponent from the 2011 season— MAC member Bowling Green. While the Cowboys picked up a 28-27 road win early in the season, the Owls fell to their conference foe, 13-10, on the road.
TEMPLE AGAINST THE MOUNTAIN WEST CONFERENCE
Despite fielding a team since 1894, Temple has only played two teams from the Mountain West Conference— Texas Christian and Wyoming. The Owls met the Horned Frogs twice, in 1938 and 1939, and hold a 1-1 record against TCU.
Temple and Wyoming only met once in 1990. (see series info below)
TEMPLE-WYOMING— THE SERIES
Saturday's bowl game is the second meeting between the Owls and the Cowboys. Wyoming holds a 1-0 edge.
During their only meeting at War Memorial Stadium in Laramie, Wyo., Temple displayed some offensive punch, particularly through the air with 265 passing yards, but dropped its 1990 season opener, 38-23, to Wyoming. The 265 passing yards were an opening-day best for a Temple squad.
Owls' QB Matt Baker connected on 14-of-28 pass attempts for 163 yards and a touchdown, but he also threw a pair of interceptions. Baker had expertly directed the Owls on 70 and 71-yard scoring drives in the third quarter that had given Temple a 17-14 lead going into the fourth. Conrad Swanson went over from the two-yard line for Temple's first touchdown, and then Baker connected with Scott McNair for a dazzling, 58-yard touchdown reception. McNair took the screen pass in the left flat and zig-zagged his way the last 50 yards for the score.
The Owls committed three turnovers, however, on consecutive possessions following McNair's touchdown, and the Cowboys converted them into 17 points and a 31-17 lead. Anthony Richardson came off the bench and threw a 44-yard scoring strike to Rob Graf with two minutes to play. Wyoming recovered Temple's ensuing onside kick attempt, and then broke a 43-yard touchdown run to end the scoring.
Not in the Boxscore: Late in the second quarter Baker connected with FB Conrad Swanson on a 65-yard touchdown, but the play was called back because of a penalty. It would have given Temple a 10-0 lead. Two plays later Wyoming intercepted a pass, returned it to the six, and scored on its next play to take a 7-3 lead into halftime.
SERIES INFORMATION
Temple all-time vs. Wyoming: 0-1
Temple in games at Temple: 0-0
Temple in games at Wyoming: 0-1
Temple in games at a neutral site: 0-0
First meeting in series: 1990 at War Memorial Stadium, L, 38-23
Last meeting in series: 1990 at War Memorial Stadium, L, 38-23
SERIES HIGHS
Temple Owls
Rushing: Leon Brown 11-39 (1990)
Passing: Matt Baker, 14-28-2-163, 1 TD (1990)
Receiving: Rich Drayton, 7-45 (1990)
Wyoming Cowboys
Rushing: Dwight Driver, 8-84, 1 TD (1990)
Passing: Thomas Corontzos, 16-25-1-222, 3 TDs (1990)
Receiving: Shawn Wiggins, 6-110, 1 TD (1990)
Year Site Results TU Coach Wyoming Coach
1990 War Memorial Stadium L, 38-23 Jerry Berndt Paul Roach
TEMPLE STAFF BOWL EXPERIENCED
Strolling the Temple sidelines this fall is a new coaching staff. Led by first-year head coach Steve Addazio, the Owls' new mentors boast youth and successful experience. With 78 bowl appearances among them, their average age on opening night was 37.4 years. All of the Owl coaches are former college football players.
HOOT TOOTS ... OWL NOTES & QUOTES
• Temple is bowl eligible for the second time in three seasons and just the sixth time in school history. TU also earned bowl eligibility during the 1934 (1935 Sugar Bowl), 1979 (Garden State Bowl), 1990 (7-4 record, no bowl bid), 2009 (EagleBank Bowl), and 2010 (8-4 record, no bowl bid) seasons.
• 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 in 2010.
• Since joining the MAC?in 2007, the Owls own the league's best home record for MAC games at 17-4.
• Temple's 38-7 win at Maryland was the first win in school history over an ACC team.
• Four of Temple's 2011 opponents— Penn State (TicketCity), Toledo (Military), Ball State (not selected), and Ohio (Famous Idaho Potato)— were bowl eligible this season.
• “We're an unbelievably desirable team to a lot of bowls out there, if they care about good football.”
— Steve Addazio following the win over Kent State
Bowl Guide
Press conference video:
Addazio, part I
part II
Coyer
TEMPLE TO FACE WYOMING IN GILDAN NEW MEXICO BOWL
Temple faces Wyoming in the 2011 Gildan New Mexico Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 17 at UNM Stadium in Albuquerque, N.M. Kickoff is set for Noon MT (2 p.m. ET) on ESPN. Clay Matvick (pbp), Brian Griese (analyst), and Jessica Mendoza (sideline) will broadcast the game.
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 8-4 overall and 5-3 in MAC (2nd East) play after a 34-14 win over Kent 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 1,381 yards and a single-season record 25 touchdowns on 248 carries. Senior TE Evan Rodriguez (North Bergen, N.J.) is the top receiver with 427 yards and two touchdowns on 33 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 113 tackles, including a team-best 62 solos, five break-ups, four TFL, three forced fumbles, and two sacks.
In the national rankings, Temple ranks among the nation's Top 25 in 10 categories, including No. 3 in scoring defense (13.83) [behind Alabama and LSU], No. 4 in kickoff returns (26.61), No. 7 in rushing offense (256.67), No. 13 in net punting (39.49), and No. 15 in total defense (315.50). Individually, junior RB Bernard Pierce is No. 2 in scoring (13.64 ppg), No. 2 in rushing TDs (25), and No. 6 in rushing (125.55). Junior PK/P Brandon McManus (Hatfield, Pa.) is No. 5 in punting (45.89). Junior RB Matt Brown (Baltimore, Md.) is No. 16 in kickoff returns (26.73) and No. 20 in all-purpose running (145.92). Over the last three seasons, Temple is 19-2 when Pierce carries the ball at least 18 times per game.
TEMPLE'S BOWL HISTORY
The Owls are making their fourth bowl appearance in school history and second in the last three seasons. Temple participated in the inaugural Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1, 1935, under head coach Glenn “Pop” Warner. The Owls fell to host Tulane, 20-14.
Temple captured its first bowl win in the 1979 Garden State Bowl under head coach Wayne Hardin. The Owls ended the most successful season in school history with a 28-17 victory over California.
In 2009, Temple returned to bowl action for the first time in 30 years. The Owls, coached by Al Golden, fell to UCLA, 30-21, at the EagleBank Bowl in Washington, D.C.
Temple was bowl eligible in 2010 (8-4 record) and in 1990 (7-4 record) but did not receive a bowl invitation.
SCOUTING WYOMING
Wyoming, under the guidance of third-year head coach and Mountain West Coach of the Year Dave Christensen, is 8-4 overall and 5-2 in Mountain West Conference play following a 22-19 win at Colorado State. The Cowboys return 16 starters to their spread offense and 4-3/multiple defense.
Junior RB Alvester Alexander is the Cowboys' top rusher with 678 yards and six touchdowns on 145 carries. Junior WR Chris McNeill has 42 receptions for 504 yards and four touchdowns. Freshman QB Brett Smith, the MWC Freshman of the Year, is 233-of-385 for 2,495 yards and 18 touchdowns. Junior SS Luke Ruff leads all defenders with 97 tackles and a forced fumble.
Nationally, Wyoming is No. 4 in turnover margin (1.25), No. 12 in sacks allowed (0.92), and No. 13 in punt returns (13.38). Freshman CB Blair Burns is No. 23 in interceptions (0.33), while freshman QB Brett Smith is No. 31 in total offense (261.67).
BOWL HISTORY
Wyoming is making its 13th bowl appearance and second appearance in the New Mexico Bowl. The Cowboys captured a 35-28 double overtime win over Fresno State in the 2009 New Mexico Bowl. Riding a two-game bowl winning streak, Wyoming stands 6-6 overall in bowl games. UW won the 2004 Las Vegas Bowl, defeating UCLA, 24-21.
TEMPLE-WYOMING CONNECTIONS
Temple has no players on its roster from Wyoming.
Wyoming's roster has no players from Pennsylvania and just one player from the East Coast— senior WR Mazi Ogbonna (Westbury, N.Y. / Hicksville).
COMMON OPPONENTS
Temple and Wyoming share one common opponent from the 2011 season— MAC member Bowling Green. While the Cowboys picked up a 28-27 road win early in the season, the Owls fell to their conference foe, 13-10, on the road.
TEMPLE AGAINST THE MOUNTAIN WEST CONFERENCE
Despite fielding a team since 1894, Temple has only played two teams from the Mountain West Conference— Texas Christian and Wyoming. The Owls met the Horned Frogs twice, in 1938 and 1939, and hold a 1-1 record against TCU.
Temple and Wyoming only met once in 1990. (see series info below)
TEMPLE-WYOMING— THE SERIES
Saturday's bowl game is the second meeting between the Owls and the Cowboys. Wyoming holds a 1-0 edge.
During their only meeting at War Memorial Stadium in Laramie, Wyo., Temple displayed some offensive punch, particularly through the air with 265 passing yards, but dropped its 1990 season opener, 38-23, to Wyoming. The 265 passing yards were an opening-day best for a Temple squad.
Owls' QB Matt Baker connected on 14-of-28 pass attempts for 163 yards and a touchdown, but he also threw a pair of interceptions. Baker had expertly directed the Owls on 70 and 71-yard scoring drives in the third quarter that had given Temple a 17-14 lead going into the fourth. Conrad Swanson went over from the two-yard line for Temple's first touchdown, and then Baker connected with Scott McNair for a dazzling, 58-yard touchdown reception. McNair took the screen pass in the left flat and zig-zagged his way the last 50 yards for the score.
The Owls committed three turnovers, however, on consecutive possessions following McNair's touchdown, and the Cowboys converted them into 17 points and a 31-17 lead. Anthony Richardson came off the bench and threw a 44-yard scoring strike to Rob Graf with two minutes to play. Wyoming recovered Temple's ensuing onside kick attempt, and then broke a 43-yard touchdown run to end the scoring.
Not in the Boxscore: Late in the second quarter Baker connected with FB Conrad Swanson on a 65-yard touchdown, but the play was called back because of a penalty. It would have given Temple a 10-0 lead. Two plays later Wyoming intercepted a pass, returned it to the six, and scored on its next play to take a 7-3 lead into halftime.
SERIES INFORMATION
Temple all-time vs. Wyoming: 0-1
Temple in games at Temple: 0-0
Temple in games at Wyoming: 0-1
Temple in games at a neutral site: 0-0
First meeting in series: 1990 at War Memorial Stadium, L, 38-23
Last meeting in series: 1990 at War Memorial Stadium, L, 38-23
SERIES HIGHS
Temple Owls
Rushing: Leon Brown 11-39 (1990)
Passing: Matt Baker, 14-28-2-163, 1 TD (1990)
Receiving: Rich Drayton, 7-45 (1990)
Wyoming Cowboys
Rushing: Dwight Driver, 8-84, 1 TD (1990)
Passing: Thomas Corontzos, 16-25-1-222, 3 TDs (1990)
Receiving: Shawn Wiggins, 6-110, 1 TD (1990)
Year Site Results TU Coach Wyoming Coach
1990 War Memorial Stadium L, 38-23 Jerry Berndt Paul Roach
TEMPLE STAFF BOWL EXPERIENCED
Strolling the Temple sidelines this fall is a new coaching staff. Led by first-year head coach Steve Addazio, the Owls' new mentors boast youth and successful experience. With 78 bowl appearances among them, their average age on opening night was 37.4 years. All of the Owl coaches are former college football players.
HOOT TOOTS ... OWL NOTES & QUOTES
• Temple is bowl eligible for the second time in three seasons and just the sixth time in school history. TU also earned bowl eligibility during the 1934 (1935 Sugar Bowl), 1979 (Garden State Bowl), 1990 (7-4 record, no bowl bid), 2009 (EagleBank Bowl), and 2010 (8-4 record, no bowl bid) seasons.
• 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 in 2010.
• Since joining the MAC?in 2007, the Owls own the league's best home record for MAC games at 17-4.
• Temple's 38-7 win at Maryland was the first win in school history over an ACC team.
• Four of Temple's 2011 opponents— Penn State (TicketCity), Toledo (Military), Ball State (not selected), and Ohio (Famous Idaho Potato)— were bowl eligible this season.
• “We're an unbelievably desirable team to a lot of bowls out there, if they care about good football.”
— Steve Addazio following the win over Kent State
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