Football Shuts Out UMass, 28-0

Saturday, September 24

2:00 PM

Temple University

2-2 , 0-0

UMass

1-3 , 0-0

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Massachusetts

Temple

Photo by: Zamani Feelings

Football Shuts Out UMass, 28-0

9.24.22 | Football

Box Score Game Book Photo Gallery Stan Drayton Postgame Defense Postgame Offense Postgame

PHILADELPHIA – Temple (2-2) defeated the UMass Minutemen (1-3) by a score of 28-0 Saturday afternoon to close out a three-game homestand. The Temple defense continued to impress this game, shutting out UMass and forcing two interceptions, one of which returned for a touchdown. Both teams struggled to get much going on offense in the beginning but the Owls found ways to put points on the board with their passing attack and eventually it was the difference maker.

How It Happened

First Quarter
After receiving the opening kickoff, the Minutemen were backed up in their own zone thanks to a sack by LB Jordan Magee on the first play of the game. However, they gained that yardage right back but were ultimately stopped around midfield and forced to punt. Temple was then stunned on their opening drive and was forced to punt as well. UMass crept its way into Temple territory thanks to a stellar rushing attack, however a penalty bumped them out of field goal range and forced the team to punt for the second time of the game. Starting on their own 5-yard line, Temple once again could not get anything going offensively and the drive was ended with a sack from DL Marcus Bradley. A gutsy fourth down attempt from the Minutemen at midfield resulted in a turnover on downs, putting Temple in prime position. However, UMass DB Jordan Mahoney intercepted a pass at the 5-yard line to keep Temple off the board.

Second Quarter
To start the second quarter, UMass attempted a punt but it deflected off an Owl and the Minutemen recovered it at midfield. Taking it right back was Temple safety Alex Odom who intercepted a pass, marking his first career interception. DB Noah Boykin intercepted a pass on a deflected ball to continue the turnover barrage, allowing UMass to put together a drive and set up a 48-yard field goal attempt. The field goal attempt ultimately fell short and left, keeping the game scoreless. An impressive 34-yard completion from QB EJ Warner and WR Adonicas Sanders put the Owls in the redzone, before Warner completed an 11-yard touchdown to WR Ian Stewart, putting Temple up 7-0.

Third Quarter
Temple received the second half kickoff, and was immediately forced to go for it on fourth and one in their own zone. Warner connected with TE David Martin-Robinson on the play, and snuck free for a 30-yard gain, putting the Owls in UMass territory. Temple then utilized the legs of QB Quincy Patterson for the remainder of the drive, with Patterson rushing in a two-yard play to put the Owls up 14-0. Temple would get the ball right back after a UMass three and out, but the Owls would then fail on a fourth down conversion and would give the ball back to the Minutemen. On the next play DE Layton Jordan would intercept a pass and take it to the house for a touchdown, putting the Owls up 21-0. On the following drive, the Minutemen would have a takeaway of their own as they forced a fumble on their own 40-yard line. They would eventually punt to round out the third quarter.

Fourth Quarter
Thirty seconds in, Warner would connect with Sanders for a 50-yard touchdown, putting the Owls up 28-0 before getting the ball back once again after another UMass punt. Temple would drive down to set up kicker Rory Bell with a 39-yard field goal attempt, which would hit the upright and miss. UMass would take advantage of this and put together a drive with QB Zamar Wise, using both his arms and legs to drive the Minutemen downfield. This would set up kicker Cameron Carson with a 37-yard attempt, but it would eventually go wide right. The Owls would wind down the clock with a collection of runs, then punt it away. With minimal time remaining the Minutemen could not score and the game ends 28-0.

Statistically Speaking

EJ Warner: 11/22, 173 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
Adonicas Sanders: 4 receptions, 101 yards, 1 TD
Alex Odom: 9 tackles, 6 solo, 1 INT

Notes

Temple Defense: Forced a shutout for the first time since 2016 and back-to-back weeks without allowing a touchdown.
SAF Alex Odom first career interception.
DE Layton Jordan first career interception and touchdown.

Up Next
The Owls begin conference play with a road game at Memphis Saturday, October 1. Kickoff is set for 12 pm EST/11am CST. The game will air on ESPNU and 97.5 The Fanatic.