Temple University Athletics
Temple University
*Pittsburgh
Pitt Topples Temple, 47-17
10.27.12 | Football
POSTGAME NOTES
POSTGAME QUOTES
VIDEO
PITTSBURGH - Pittsburgh jumped out to a quick 14-0 lead and never looked back in posting a 47-17 win over visiting Temple Saturday afternoon at Heinz Field. The Panthers improve to 4-4 overall and 1-3 in the BIG EAST Conference while the Owls fall to 3-4, 2-2.
Temple's defense held the Panthers on its opening possession, but the Panthers first punt was muffed by the Owls, hitting defender Anthony Robey in the back. Pitt took advantage of the break and following two big pass plays from Tino Sunseri to Mike Shanahan, Rushel Shell capped the seven-play drive with a one-yard touchdown run to make it, 7-0.
The Owls moved the ball to midfield courtesy of a running into the kicker penalty before having to punt. Pitt then quickly moved 90 yards on six plays with Sunseri connecting with J.P. Holtz on an 18-yard touchdown pass to put the Panthers ahead 14-0. Sunseri, who completed 20-of-28 passes for 321 and three touchdowns on the day, dumped a screen pass for 33 yards to Ray Graham (108 all-purpose yards: 109 rushing, 71 receiving) and hooked up with Shanahan for a 22-yard reception to set up the score.
A 77-yard kickoff return by senior Matt Brown set up the Owls lone score in the first half. With the ball at the Pitt 21, senior RB Montel Harris (18 carries, 72 yds, 1 TD) rushed three times to the Panthers 11 before junior QB Chris Coyer (16-25, 143 yds, 1 TD) connected with junior TE Cody Booth on a nine-yard touchdown.
Pitt then scored on all three of its second quarter possessions to take a 31-7 lead at intermission. First it was Kevin Harper connecting on a 32-yard field goal. Then Graham capped an eight-play, 80-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown run. That came one play after a Graham fumble on the goal line was reversed by video replay. The Panthers final score was a dagger to the Owls as Sunseri drove his team 62 yards on six plays hitting Graham on a four-yard touchdown toss with one second remaining in the half.
Temple started off the second half with a strong as Coyer led the Owls on a 10-play, 75-yard scoring drive. A big 19-yard run by the TU quarterback gave the Owls a first down at midfield. Coyer later hit Booth on a big third-and-five play for a first down at the Pitt 14. Harris then rushed around right end 14 yards for the touchdown to make it 31-14.
Pitt answered with an eight-play drive that culminated in a Kevin Harper 38-yard field goal.
Coyer then took the Owls on their longest scoring drive of the season, a 15-play, 67-yard possession. The drive stalled at the Pitt 27 with McManus converting a 45-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 34-17.
Temple held Pitt to a three-and-out on the ensuing possession and looked like it was gathering momentum. Coyer hit Deon Miller on the second play of the final quarter, but the Owl receiver had the ball stripped from him by Lafayette Pitts at the Temple 37.
It took Pitt just two plays to find the end zone as Graham rushed for 35 yards to the Temple two and then bulled his way for the touchdown on the next play to make it 40-17.
Temple coach Steve Addazio replaced Coyer with junior QB Juice Granger on the next possession. Granger effectively moved the ball inside the Pitt 10 with the big play being a 44-yard pass play to Kenny Harper. With first and goal at the five the Panther defense shut down the Owls on four straight rushes.
Starting at its own two yard-line, Pitt went on a 13-play drive that culminated in a Devin Street 15-yard touchdown reception from Sunseri to put the game away. Street finished the day with 140 receiving yards on six catches.
Freshman LB Tyler Matakevich again led the Owls defense with 10 tackles while senior DB Justin Gildea added nine stops. Sophomore WR Jalen Fitzpatrick made a career high six catches for 55 yards in the game.
Temple must now regroup before travelling to unbeaten and nationally-ranked Louisville for a Saturday showdown (Noon/6ABC/1210 AM WPHT).
