Temple University Athletics
Saturday, October 31
Lincoln Financial Field
8:00 p.m.
Temple University
vs
Notre Dame
Photo by: Joseph V. Labolito/Temple University
#21/22 Football in National Spotlight against #9/9 Notre Dame
10.27.15 | Football
PHILADELPHIA -- #21/22 Temple Football closes out its non-conference slate with a primetime clash against #9/9 Notre Dame on Saturday night. The 8:00 p.m. match-up at sold-out Lincoln Financial Field will air as ABC's national game of the week. The Owls will also welcome ESPN's College GameDay to town, with the show being broadcast from Independence Mall.
The Match-Up
Temple (7-0) is looking to improve on what is already the best start in program history. The Owls are coming off a 24-14 come-from-behind victory on the road at East Carolina on Thursday, improving the team to 3-0 in conference play. Coming off a bye week, Notre Dame enters Saturday's game at 6-1, after defeating rival Southern Cal at home 41-31 on October 17th.
Scouting Report
So far in 2015, Temple's strong offense has dominated the time of possession battle. Much of that is junior running back Jahad Thomas, who has become the primary ball carrier for head coach Matt Rhule's traditionally-focused offense. Thomas has recorded a rushing TD in each game this season, and has set new career highs for yards and carries. His former high school teammate, P.J. Walker, has become a steady field general at quarterback, moving into fifth on Temple's all-time passing yards list. The Owls have tall targets at wide receiver that will challenge the Irish defense, led by redshirt senior, Robby Anderson, who has caught five TD passes. Linebacker Jaylon Smith and defensive lineman Romeo Okwara will have to take on a veteran Owl offensive line, centered by Lombardi and Rimington candidate senior, Kyle Friend.
While Temple boasts a strong defensive unit that leads the American Athletic Conference in six different categories, the Owls will face a tough test in the dynamic Notre Dame attack. DeShone Kaiser has flourished as the starting quarterback after Malik Zaire's injury pressed him into action. C.J. Prossie has become a threat any time he touches the ball. Temple's defense has 12 interceptions in the first seven games, tops in the conference, led by senior linebacker Tyler Matakevich. The NCAA's active career tackles leader has shown athletic range this season, making plays on balls while dropping into coverage. The rush defense, led by senior defensive linemen Nate D. Smith and Matt Ioannidis, is top-10 nationally, averaging under 92 yards allowed per game.
The Last Time
The Matt Rhule era at Temple began with the team's first ever visit to South Bend for the 2013 season opener. The Irish grabbed that victory, 28-6, as Tommy Rees threw for for three touchdowns. The lone Owl score came on a Kenny Harper touchdown run.
Up Next
Following the Notre Dame game, Temple returns to American Athletic Conference play with a Friday night match-up on the road SMU in Dallas.
Game Notes | Conference Release | Coach Rhule's Presser
The Match-Up
Temple (7-0) is looking to improve on what is already the best start in program history. The Owls are coming off a 24-14 come-from-behind victory on the road at East Carolina on Thursday, improving the team to 3-0 in conference play. Coming off a bye week, Notre Dame enters Saturday's game at 6-1, after defeating rival Southern Cal at home 41-31 on October 17th.
Scouting Report
So far in 2015, Temple's strong offense has dominated the time of possession battle. Much of that is junior running back Jahad Thomas, who has become the primary ball carrier for head coach Matt Rhule's traditionally-focused offense. Thomas has recorded a rushing TD in each game this season, and has set new career highs for yards and carries. His former high school teammate, P.J. Walker, has become a steady field general at quarterback, moving into fifth on Temple's all-time passing yards list. The Owls have tall targets at wide receiver that will challenge the Irish defense, led by redshirt senior, Robby Anderson, who has caught five TD passes. Linebacker Jaylon Smith and defensive lineman Romeo Okwara will have to take on a veteran Owl offensive line, centered by Lombardi and Rimington candidate senior, Kyle Friend.
While Temple boasts a strong defensive unit that leads the American Athletic Conference in six different categories, the Owls will face a tough test in the dynamic Notre Dame attack. DeShone Kaiser has flourished as the starting quarterback after Malik Zaire's injury pressed him into action. C.J. Prossie has become a threat any time he touches the ball. Temple's defense has 12 interceptions in the first seven games, tops in the conference, led by senior linebacker Tyler Matakevich. The NCAA's active career tackles leader has shown athletic range this season, making plays on balls while dropping into coverage. The rush defense, led by senior defensive linemen Nate D. Smith and Matt Ioannidis, is top-10 nationally, averaging under 92 yards allowed per game.
The Last Time
The Matt Rhule era at Temple began with the team's first ever visit to South Bend for the 2013 season opener. The Irish grabbed that victory, 28-6, as Tommy Rees threw for for three touchdowns. The lone Owl score came on a Kenny Harper touchdown run.
Up Next
Following the Notre Dame game, Temple returns to American Athletic Conference play with a Friday night match-up on the road SMU in Dallas.
Game Notes | Conference Release | Coach Rhule's Presser
Players Mentioned
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QB
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