Temple University Athletics

Saturday, September 5
Lincoln Financial Field
3:30 p.m.

Temple University

vs

Penn State

Photo by: Joseph V. Labolito/Temple University

Penn State Preview

9.1.15 | Football

PHILADELPHIA - As the calendar turns to September and the 2015 college football season kicks off, eyes across the nation will be focused on South Philadelphia this Labor Day Weekend. Penn State and Temple will open their seasons at Lincoln Financial Field in the renewal of this Keystone State rivalry. The Owls have found new life under head coach Matt Rhule, finishing 2014 at 6-6. Rhule, a former Penn State linebacker, hosts his alma mater for the first time and looks for a historic victory in the process. 

The matchup on Saturday afternoon will feature stars on both sidelines and great matchups. Last year the Nittany Lions capitalized on Owls turnovers to pull away late to a 30-13 win at Beaver Stadium. Junior quarterback P.J. Walker threw for 187 yards in the game, more than his counterpart, junior Christian Hackenberg, but four interceptions proved his team's undoing. This season, Walker welcomes back Robby Anderson, who caught 44 balls for 791 yards, and nine touchdowns in 2013. Joining the receiving corps is Pittsburgh transfer and South Jersey native Adonis Jennings. The two tall targets will test the Nittany Lions secondary.

When Hackenberg gets the ball, he'll face a defense returning all 11 starters from the fourth-ranked scoring defense in FBS in 2014. Led by NCAA active tackle leaders and senior linebacker Tyler Matakevich, the Owls feature a ferocious front seven with fellow Lombardi Award watch list member Praise Martin-Oguike at defensive end, senior defensive tackle Matt Ioannidis, and other veterans. The secondary, led by senior Tavon Young and sophomore Sean Chandler, will look to further stymie the Big 10 QB who threw for only 112 yards and two picks against the Owls last season.

Coach Rhule wants to get back to the physical ground game that brought the Owls success in the past. Junior back Jahad Thomas is looking to improve upon his 1,000+ all-purpose yards last season. The Owls have multiple options to deliver body blows on the ground.



Press Conference

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American Athletic Conference release
 

Next Event

Penn State
W, 27-10

Sep 5 (Sat)

3:30 p.m.

Players Mentioned

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DL
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WR
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RB
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QB
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DB
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