Football Falls to East Carolina, 45-3

Saturday, November 6

Greenville, NC

3:00 PM

Temple University

3-6 , 1-4

East Carolina

5-4 , 3-2

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Temple

East Carolina

Photo by: Zamani Feelings

Football Falls to East Carolina, 45-3

11.6.21 | Football

Box Score Game Book Rod Carey Press Conference Amir Tyler Press Conference

GREENVILLE, N.C. – Temple (3-6, 1-4) fell to the ECU Pirates (5-4, 3-2) in Greenville, 45-3. Two missed field goals in the first half kept the Owls off the scoreboard as the Pirates scored two quick touchdowns to take a 21-0 lead going into the break. From there, the Owls were not able to get back into the game as Temple was outscored 24-3 in the second half.

How It Happened
First Quarter
Empty possessions by both sides led to a relatively quiet start to the contest. With a few minutes remaining in the quarter, however, the Pirates marched down the field to break the deadlock. A 33-yard connection from QB Holton Ahlers to TE Ryan Jones gave ECU the first points of the game. On the following drive, Temple answered back with a long drive of its own that brought the Owls into a field goal range.

Second Quarter
After before stopped just outside the red zone, Temple was unable to convert on the field goal try. The Pirates took control of possession, but not for long, as an interception by safety Jalen Ware got the ball back for the Owls and the 27-yard return brought the Cherry & White back into ECU territory. The Owls were unable to capitalize on the opportunity, however, as another missed field goal resulted in an empty possession. The Pirates took full advantage of the missed field goal this time, driving 74 yards in seven plays capped off by another receiving touchdown from Jones. After a three-and-out for the Owls, a third touchdown pass for Ahlers gave the Pirates a 21-point advantage going into the break.

Third Quarter
Following halftime, a kickoff return out to around midfield set up the Pirates with good field position. On the very next play, a 57-yard rush by Keaton Mitchell extended the ECU lead. A three-and-out on the ensuing drive for the Owls gave the Pirates the ball right back. After receiving the ball around midfield, Mitchell ran into the endzone for his second touchdown of the game.

Fourth Quarter
A few minutes into the fourth quarter, an ECU rushing touchdown stretched the lead. Midway through the fourth quarter, an interception by Freddie Johnson led to a 46-yard field goal by Rory Bell. With just under two minutes remaining in the contest, ECU responded with a field goal of its own.

Statistically Speaking

William Kwenkeu: seven tackles, one TFL
Amir Tyler: three pass breakups, 0.5 TFL
Kobe Wilson: seven tackles, one TFL

Notes

Johnson: first career interception.
Ware: interception in two consecutive games.

Up Next
The Cherry & White return to Lincoln Financial Field to take on the Houston Cougars on November 13. Kickoff is set for 12:00pm and will air on ESPN+.