Football Falls To UCF, 34-14

Saturday, October 25

Orlando, FL

5:00 p.m.

Temple University

4-3 , 2-2

UCF

5-2 , 3-0

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Temple

UCF

Photo by: Romeo Guzman

Football Falls To UCF, 34-14

10.25.14 | Football

Box Score

ORLANDO- The taste of last week's loss to Houston couldn't escape the Owls' mouth as UCF handed Temple its second straight loss, 34-14 in front of a crowd of 39,554 at Bright House Networks Stadium in Orlando. The only bright spot in the game was on special teams, with two blocked punts on back-to-back drives by CB Sam Benjamin and LB Michael Felton in the second quarter. Benjamin was able to scoop up the ball and run it six yards into the end zone for an Owls' score.

Offensively, the team struggled throughout the game. In the first half, the team only gathered six yards rushing on 10 carries, 59 passing yards, and allowed 27 points to be scored, which is the most points the Owls have allowed in a half since 2013's game against Connecticut. The second half wasn't any better, as QB P.J. Walker started the drive by tossing an interception. Walker finished 15-26 on the night for 111 yards, with two interceptions and one touchdown on a three yard pass to WR Romond Deloatch. Walker shared the responsibilities on the night with QB Connor Reilly, who finished 4-9 for 25 yards and one interception.

For the first time in two games, the Owls' were able to create turnovers, forcing two fumbles; this now raises the Owls takeaways to 19 on the season. DE Praise Martin-Oguike forced the ball out at the Temple 13, which was recovered by DL Averee Robinson. While the offense wasn't able to make much of the turnover, another fumble gave the Owls the ball at the UCF 15, after WR J.J. Worton muffed the punt, recovered, but ultimately had DE Sharif Finch strip the ball out of his hands. Again, the offense was unable to make anything of the play and Walker threw an interception in the end zone. Walker raised his interception total to nine on the season, one more than he had in 2013.

Defensively, the Owls were able to hold strong, as they have only allowed a field goal to be scored in the fourth quarter this season. Last season, the Owls allowed 102 points in the final quarter. LB Tyler Matakevich lead the team with 13 tackles, 10 solo, and one tackle for loss. In addition to his forced fumble and recovery, Finch finished the night with seven tackles, five solo and two for a loss, one broken up pass and one quarterback hurry.

The defense also allowed four of five red zone opportunities to end in two touchdowns and two field goals. The Owls entered the game with the number one red zone defense in the country, allowing only 56.3 percent of chances to end in points.

Walker, while not in usual form, was able to hit RB Jamie Gilmore for a 17 yard pass and followed it up with 22 yarder to TE Wanemi Omuso, which was the longest catch by a TE this season. WR Jalen Fitzpatrick also got in on the passing action, connecting with Walker for a 14 yard pass.

UCF controlled the battle throughout the whole game. QB Justin Holman went 25-39 for 336 yards and two touchdowns, including a 54 yard TD pass to WR Breshad Perriman; Perriman finished the night with seven catches for 146 yards. Holman's passing yardage is the most passing yards allowed by the Owls all season. On the other side of the ball, the Knights sacked Walker three times and Reilly once, bringing the total number of sacks allowed this season to 12.

The Owls return to action when the Top-25 ranked East Carolina Pirates visit Philadelphia on November 1. The game will be broadcasted on ESPNews with a 12:00 pm kickoff.