Football Defeats Akron 45-24

Saturday, September 11

Akron, OH

3:30 PM

Temple University

1-1

Akron

0-2

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

TEM

AKRON

Photo by: Zamani Feelings

Football Defeats Akron 45-24

9.11.21 | Football

Box Score Game Book Rod Carey Postgame Press Conference Justin Lynch Postgame Press Conference Randle Jones Postgame Press Conference Photo Gallery

PHILADELPHIA – The Temple Owls (1-1, 0-0) defeated the Akron Zips (0-2, 0-0) by a score of 45-24 to grab its first win of the season. After falling behind 14-0 in the first quarter, the Owls responded by outscoring the Zips 45-10 through the rest of the game, thanks to two defensive touchdowns in the second quarter.

How It Happened
First Quarter
The Zips got the ball first to start the game and took advantage of the opportunity, driving 77 yards in 12 plays to put Akron up 7-0. After a few empty drives for both sides, Akron struck again, this time in the form of a 17-yard passing touchdown from QB Kato Nelson. However, the Owls bounced back a few plays later with a 70-yard passing touchdown from QB Justin Lynch to WR Randle Jones to cut the deficit going into the second quarter.

Second Quarter
After a 39-yard field goal from Akron, a 40-yard return from De'Von Fox set up the Owls around midfield for its next drive. A few first downs later moved the Owls into field goal range, but the Owls could not convert the 40-yard attempt to trim the Zips' lead. On the ensuing drive, Temple defensive end Layton Jordan stripped Nelson, and LB William Kwenkeu recovered the ball and ran it back 38 yards for the touchdown. Just a few plays later on the next Zips' drive, defensive end Manny Walker intercepted a screen pass, and waltzed into the end zone for Temple's second defensive touchdown in 12 seconds to put the Owls up 21-17. A 26-yard field goal from Rory Bell on Temple's next drive extended the lead going into the half.

Third Quarter
Stalled drives for Temple and Akron on the opening drives of the second half set up the Owls at their own 29-yard line. A few plays later, a 19-yard run by RB Tayvon Ruley put the Owls inside the Zips' 27-yard line. On the next play, Lynch hit Jones down the middle for the graduate's second touchdown of the day. The Owls' defense stood tall once again on the next Akron drive, forcing a turnover on downs to get the ball back. Lynch drove the Owls down the field for an 11-play, 77-yard drive where the true freshman capped off the drive by calling his own number for a one-yard rushing touchdown to extend the Owls lead to 38-17.

Fourth Quarter
A scoreless first nine minutes of the fourth quarter ended when RB Ra'Von Bonner bulldozed in for a one-yard rushing touchdown to stretch the lead for Temple. Big runs from Bonner and Edward Saydee led the Owls down the field for the score. Akron responded a few minutes later with a touchdown of its own with just over two minutes remaining in the game to close the gap.

Statistically Speaking

Jones: seven receptions, 170 receiving yards, two touchdowns
Kwenkeu: 38-yard fumble recovery touchdown, seven tackles
Walker: Interception returned for a touchdown

Notes

Jones: First career game with two receiving touchdowns.
Lynch: First time since the season finale of 2019 that an Owl has recorded a passing and rushing touchdown in the same game.

Up Next
Temple will be back in action next weekend when they host Boston College at Lincoln Financial Field for their home opener. Kickoff will be at 12:00pm and will air on ESPNU/2.