Football Defeats Akron in Home Opener, 24-21

Saturday, September 2

Philadelphia

2:00 P.M.

Temple University

1-0 , 0-0

Akron

0-1 , 0-0

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Akron

Temple

Photo by: Zamani Feelings

Football Defeats Akron in Home Opener, 24-21

9.2.23 | Football

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PHILADELPHIA — Temple (1-0, 0-0) defeated the Akron Zips (0-1, 0-0) at Lincoln Financial Field, 24-21, to open the 2023 season with a victory. Behind a strong defensive showing in the second half, the Owls overcame a 21-7 deficit to close the game out with 17 unanswered points. Temple held Akron to just 41 total yards in the second half.

How It Happened

On the second play of the game, Akron quarterback DJ Irons faked a run and threw a jump pass to running back Lorenzo Lingard for a 77-yard touchdown to give the Zips a 7-0 lead.
After giving up a touchdown on the opening drive of the game, Temple's defense responded by forcing four consecutive three-and-outs on the ensuing drives.
Temple stumbled out of the gates on offense, ending its first four drives with three punts and a turnover on downs in opposing territory.
Quarterback E.J. Warner got into a rhythm on Temple's fifth drive, going 5-5 with 60 yards. The Owls finished the possession with a one-yard rushing touchdown by quarterback Quincy Patterson with 14:14 remaining in the second quarter.
With 7:49 remaining in the first half, Akron retook the lead with a two-yard touchdown run by quarterback Tahj Bullock to put the Zips up 14-7.
The Zips extended their lead to 21-7 with 1:37 remaining in the first half, off a 14-yard touchdown pass from Irons to wide receiver Myles Walker.
Kick Camden Price converted a 40-yard field goal as the first half ended, sending the Owls to halftime trailing 21-10
Temple came out firing in the opening drive of the second half, marching down the field for a touchdown to trim the lead to one possession. Warner connected with running back Edward Saydee for a seven-yard touchdown pass with 11:33 remaining in the third quarter.
The Owls were stout defensively in the second half, forcing punts on the first four Akron offensive drives of the second half. Temple allowed only 17 combined yards across those four possessions.
Temple took its first lead of the game with 14:56 remaining in the fourth quarter, when Warner connected with Saydee on a one-yard touchdown completion. Warner found tight end David Martin-Robinson for the two-point conversion to give the Owls a 24-21 lead.
With 2:31 remaining in the game, safety Tywan Francis came up with a game-securing interception at the Akron 40-yard line.

Notes

Temple's all-time record in season openers is now 61-58-6.
The Owls' victory marks the first win in a season opener since 2019.
The following players made their Temple debuts: SAF Tywan Francis, WR Dante Wright, LB Diwun Black, OL Jackson Pruitt, OL Luke Watson (TF), P Dante Atton (TF), DL Conlan Greene (TF), DT Davion Hood, DT Allan Haye, OL Diego Barajas, WR Dante Wright, RB Qwentin Rose, CB Corey Yeoman, CB Ben Osueke, CB Kamar Wilcoxson, RB E.J. Wilson, WR Xavier Irvin (TF), OL Melvin Siani (TF), TE Reese Clark
Saydee recorded his first career receiving touchdown, ending with two on the day.
The Owls scored 17 unanswered points to close out the game.
Linebacker Layton Jordan recorded the first sack of the season for the Owls in the third quarter.
Francis' interception in the fourth quarter was the first of his collegiate career.

Statistically speaking

Warner finished the game 28-49 with 292 yards and two passing touchdowns.
Wide receiver Dante Wright led the Owls with seven catches and 71 yards.
On defense, Yvandy Rigby led Temple with 14 total tackles. His 11 solo tackles tied a career high.

Up Next

The Owls will hit the road to Piscataway, N.J. next Saturday to face Rutgers. Kickoff at SHI Stadium is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and will be aired on Big 10 Network.