Temple University Athletics
Photo by: Ken Inness
Season Finale Against #7 Cincinnati This Saturday
11.23.20 | Football
This Week
After the Owls' fifth consecutive loss, Temple ends the season with a home clash against nationally ranked #7 Cincinnati
on Saturday, November 28. Kickoff is set for 4:00pm and will air on ESPNU and 97.5 The Fanatic.
Last Week
The Owls dropped to 1-6 on the season last week, falling to ECU by a score of 28-3. Entering the game with a severely
depleted roster, the Owls lost five defensive players, including four starters, due to COVID Protocol issues just prior to
the start of the game. This also delayed the start of the contest by 50 minutes. Despite a roster missing so many key
players, the Owls fought valiantly, with two back-breaking plays in the second quarter – a 95-yard kickoff return and
a 45-yard touchdown pass in the final minute – giving ECU separation, 21-3, heading into the half. A 75-yard run by
ECU QB Holton Ahlers led to the only score after intermission. Four freshmen were among Temple's top five leaders
in tackles with SAF M.J. Griffin (11) topping the Owls. The others were LB Kobe Wilson (7), LB Jordan Magee (4) and
SAF Alex Odom (4). True freshman quarterback Kamal Gray received his first career start. The last time a true freshman
started at QB for the Owls was in 2013 (P.J. Walker).
Last time vs. Cincinnati
The last time Cincinnati and Temple played was last season on November 23, 2019 when #19 Cincinnati narrowly
escaped with a 15-13 victory. The Bearcats came into the game looking to expand on their eight-game winning streak
and an undefeated conference record. A ground and pound attack was the focus for Cincinnati, as running back Michael
Warren finished the contest with 106 rushing yards and a touchdown on 24 attempts. Two second quarter field
goals by kicker Sam Crosa gave Cincinnati a 6-0 lead going into halftime. The Owls were held scoreless until the 11:19
mark in the fourth quarter when running back Re'Mahn Davis found the endzone on a seven yard run. The PAT was
blocked by the Bearcats and cornerback Coby Bryant returned it 98 yards to make the score 15-6. This would turn out
to be the difference in the game. For the Owls, wide receiver Jadan Blue could not be stopped, catching 13 passes
for 120 yards. Linebackers Chappelle Russell (11 tackles) and Shaun Bradley (9) led the way for the Owls' defense.
Last time vs. Cincinnati @ Lincoln Financial Field
The last time these two teams faced off in Philadelphia, the Owls came back in the final minute of the fourth quarter
to force overtime and win 24-17. This game featured a Bearcats team that was ranked #20 nationally, who were
looking to spoil the Homecoming affair for the Owls. The contest was a defensive battle throughout and featured six
turnovers, three interceptions and two fumbles forced by Temple and one interception forced by Cincinnati. The Owls
started out hot and got out to an early 10-0 lead, but up until the final quarter, the offense was nowhere to be found.
With the Owls trailing 17-10 late in the game, QB Anthony Russo and the offense marched down the field in a seven-
play, 75-yard drive in just 1:48 to tie the game at 17-17. The Owls capped off the drive when Russo hit WR Branden
Mack for a wide open 20-yard touchdown to force overtime. From there, Cincinnati won the toss and elected to play
defense first. The Owls made them pay, scoring on just the third play, a 25-yard throw from Russo to WR Isaiah Wright
to make it 24-17 Temple. The Owl defense held strong and a botched snap on second down forced Cincinnati to air it
out on third-and-36, resulting in a game-sealing interception by LB Shaun Bradley. Russo threw for 237 total yards, 172
of which came in the fourth quarter and overtime.
After the Owls' fifth consecutive loss, Temple ends the season with a home clash against nationally ranked #7 Cincinnati
on Saturday, November 28. Kickoff is set for 4:00pm and will air on ESPNU and 97.5 The Fanatic.
Last Week
The Owls dropped to 1-6 on the season last week, falling to ECU by a score of 28-3. Entering the game with a severely
depleted roster, the Owls lost five defensive players, including four starters, due to COVID Protocol issues just prior to
the start of the game. This also delayed the start of the contest by 50 minutes. Despite a roster missing so many key
players, the Owls fought valiantly, with two back-breaking plays in the second quarter – a 95-yard kickoff return and
a 45-yard touchdown pass in the final minute – giving ECU separation, 21-3, heading into the half. A 75-yard run by
ECU QB Holton Ahlers led to the only score after intermission. Four freshmen were among Temple's top five leaders
in tackles with SAF M.J. Griffin (11) topping the Owls. The others were LB Kobe Wilson (7), LB Jordan Magee (4) and
SAF Alex Odom (4). True freshman quarterback Kamal Gray received his first career start. The last time a true freshman
started at QB for the Owls was in 2013 (P.J. Walker).
Last time vs. Cincinnati
The last time Cincinnati and Temple played was last season on November 23, 2019 when #19 Cincinnati narrowly
escaped with a 15-13 victory. The Bearcats came into the game looking to expand on their eight-game winning streak
and an undefeated conference record. A ground and pound attack was the focus for Cincinnati, as running back Michael
Warren finished the contest with 106 rushing yards and a touchdown on 24 attempts. Two second quarter field
goals by kicker Sam Crosa gave Cincinnati a 6-0 lead going into halftime. The Owls were held scoreless until the 11:19
mark in the fourth quarter when running back Re'Mahn Davis found the endzone on a seven yard run. The PAT was
blocked by the Bearcats and cornerback Coby Bryant returned it 98 yards to make the score 15-6. This would turn out
to be the difference in the game. For the Owls, wide receiver Jadan Blue could not be stopped, catching 13 passes
for 120 yards. Linebackers Chappelle Russell (11 tackles) and Shaun Bradley (9) led the way for the Owls' defense.
Last time vs. Cincinnati @ Lincoln Financial Field
The last time these two teams faced off in Philadelphia, the Owls came back in the final minute of the fourth quarter
to force overtime and win 24-17. This game featured a Bearcats team that was ranked #20 nationally, who were
looking to spoil the Homecoming affair for the Owls. The contest was a defensive battle throughout and featured six
turnovers, three interceptions and two fumbles forced by Temple and one interception forced by Cincinnati. The Owls
started out hot and got out to an early 10-0 lead, but up until the final quarter, the offense was nowhere to be found.
With the Owls trailing 17-10 late in the game, QB Anthony Russo and the offense marched down the field in a seven-
play, 75-yard drive in just 1:48 to tie the game at 17-17. The Owls capped off the drive when Russo hit WR Branden
Mack for a wide open 20-yard touchdown to force overtime. From there, Cincinnati won the toss and elected to play
defense first. The Owls made them pay, scoring on just the third play, a 25-yard throw from Russo to WR Isaiah Wright
to make it 24-17 Temple. The Owl defense held strong and a botched snap on second down forced Cincinnati to air it
out on third-and-36, resulting in a game-sealing interception by LB Shaun Bradley. Russo threw for 237 total yards, 172
of which came in the fourth quarter and overtime.
Players Mentioned
WR
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LB
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RB
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QB
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SAF
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LB
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QB
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LB
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WR
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