"Just the Facts" Machine

News and Notes Following Temple's 31-24 loss vs. Navy

The Owls recovered three fumbles giving them 10 takeaways for the season (7 fumbles, 3 INTs). In 2013, they had just 13 takeaways total over 12 games. After finishing -6 a year ago, they now lead the American Athletic Conference with a +6.

On Navy's first play from scrimmage, DE Sharif Finch forced and recovered a fumble. The ball was recovered in the end zone for a TD. It was the second touchdown for the Owls' defense this season after totaling just one a year ago. Finch later recovered another fumble.

This game marked the first time that the Owls defense or special teams scored a TD in the Matt Rhule era that did not result in a Temple win. They were previously 3-0 in games when a TD was scored by a unit other than the offense.

Quarterback P.J. Walker was responsible for over 300 yards of offense vs. Navy on a conference season-high 62 total offensive plays. He was 29-49 passing for 240 yards (and 2 TDs) to go with 71 yards on 13 carries. By throwing for 200+ yards, he has now reached that plateau in all 9 of his career starts. In their careers, only three Temple QBs – Henry Burris (13), Mike McGann (13), and Adam DiMichele (11) - have more.

RB Kenneth Harper had 119 offensive yards (13-55 rushing, 8-64 receiving). That is one shy of his career best (105 rush, 15 rec. vs Fordham in 2013).

MLB Nate D. Smith had a team-leading 13 tackles, the second best mark of his career. He had 14 tackles at UConn in 2012.

In two games in 2014, Will Hayes is third on the team with 16 tackles. The redshirt junior had just 15 career tackles entering the season.

RB Jahad Thomas , CB Sean Chandler and FS Will Hayes notched their first career starts.

CB Anthony Robey had his team-best streak of consecutive starts snapped at 25. Center Kyle Friend now holds the distinction with 23.

Two offensive linemen made the stat sheet: LT Dion Dawkins caught a deflected pass for a seven yard reception. RG Brendan McGowan took a pitch from QB P.J. Walker on the final play of the game and lost one yard.

The Kids Are Alright:
After a 2013 season that saw struggles from young kickers and the departure of punter Paul Layton, the Owls went into the offseason with concerns in their kicking game. Three true freshmen walk ons have handled the chores like experienced pros thus far.
Kicker Austin Jones has connected on three of four field goal attempts and is perfect on 7 extra points.
Punter Alex Starzyk holds a 45.8 yard average after 12 punts. He averaged 51.8 against Navy including three of 50+ yards.
Helping both kickers is long snapper Corey Lerch. The Rydal, PA, native has been a vital and steady cog in the improved kicking performance.

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