Last donation: Heriberto S., McDonough, GA, 4/24/23 (thanks, Heriberto!!) Two on 4/14/23 (thanks to Joe F. and Ross M. ); Tom W., Palm Coast, Fla. 2/18/23 (thanks, Tom!!!)Ed P., Yardley, Pa. (1/9/23; thanks, Ed,) Lawrence S., West Chester, Pa., 12/28/22, our first contribution in over a month (thanks Larry, this will help in having to replace the printer we purchased in the summer that went on the fritz); Bob C., Chadds Ford, Pa., 11/27/22 (thanks Bob, our first contribution since September) Ed P., Perkasie, Pa. who donated 9/24/22 at the UMass game and Ed and I both remember and love Pennridge coach Wayne Helman; Joe S. (Delaware County), 9/3/22 (thanks Joe, hope to see you at Lafayette or RU); James G. (thanks James and for all the great posts you make on this site),, 7/29/22: Matt P. (former Al Golden player, thank you Matt for the generous donation it will be put to good use as we will explain in Monday’s post), 6/9/22; Matt F., Horsham, Pa. (thanks, Matt!!), June 6, 2022; David, B., Milton, DE (thanks, Dave), April 11, 2022: Andy B., Philadelphia, Pa. (our first donation of 2022, thanks Andy), March 3, 2022; Ed P., Yardley, Pa. 12/25/21 (thanks, Ed for the Christmas donation); Matt F., no hometown found (“a celebratory donation for Carey’s firing”), 11/30/21 thanks, Matt; Jon E., Cincinnati, Ohio, 11/29/21 (thanks, Jon for the donation and the great comments on this site); James G., Royersford, Pa. 11/28/21 (thanks, Jim, for the donations and your comments on the website); Anonymous (no home town given but donation really appreciated), 11/20/2021; Roger D., Rehoboth Beach,, Del., 10/24/21; Joe S., Drexel Hill, Pa. 10/3/21 (thanks, Joe) At the BC game (9/18), John from Landenburg (thanks, John for being a great friend of this site for so many years); Three Aug. 21 donations: Eric A (former player), Atlanta, Ga; Anonymous (by request), Cincinnati, Oh; Tim R., Buffalo, N.Y. (sincere thanks to all); David N., Silver Springs, Md (thanks Dave) 7/10/21; former Temple player Matt P., who lives in Columbus, GA now (thanks Matt) 7/9/21; Joe F., Philadelphia (4/7/11, thanks Joe) Matt F., Horsham, Pa., 3/27/21 (thanks, Matt); Jon E., Cincinnati, Ohio (1/31/21, thanks Jon) Ed P.,, Yardley, Pa. (thanks, Ed, much appredicated), 1/16/21; Mitchell S. , 12/21/20, our first contribution since (10/8) earlier, Former Owl Bruce G., Flourtown, Pa, who generously donated $100 in “honor” of the Ambler guy 10/8/20; (if they hate you in Ambler, we love you in Flortown,” BG says). Thanks, BG, we appreciate it; Earlier: James G., Philadelphia (7/21/20, thanks James) Robert B., Philadelphia (7/13/20, thanks, Bob, hope to see you at the tailgates again this fall); Previous: Jon E. from Cincinnati 6/15/20, our first donation this calendar year (thanks, Jon); Earlier, John from Landenberg; Kurt B., Wyomissing Hills, PA (former Temple player, 10-15-19) Earlier: David B. , Springfield, PA (9/26/19 … thanks, Dave!) also John from Landenberg (9/21/19); Tom W., Palm Coast, Fla. (8/22/19, thanks Tom!! Also, 10 days earlier, Bob. C and Joe S. and, on June 26, first bowl MVP Mark B.
Earlier: Matt F., Philadelphia; Matt P. (former Temple player) John from Landenberg and Jon E. from Cincinnati
Jay M. no hometown found ; Earlier: William B. Chicago; John from Landenberg, ; Mark B, South Jersey, Joe S, Springfield, PA…,
Also:
Ed P., Perkasie, Pa; and Richard W. (no hometown given); Phil E., Lorton, Va.; Tim C., no hometown available; Bob C., David B., Springfield (Montco); Mark B., from South Jersey; John from Landenberg, Pa.; Joe S., Primos, PA; Thomas W., Palm Coast Fla; Jon E., Cincinnati; Mike S.,no hometown; Ed P., Yardley; William B., Chicago; Matt M., Philadelphia; Matt T.., Oreland; Kevin H., Philadelphia; John from Landenberg, Pa.; Carl M, Silver Spring, Md.;; Brett K., Swedesboro, N.J.; Joe S., Primos, Pa.; Ed M., Paoli, Pa.; Phil E., Lorton, Va.; Ross M., Garden City, NY; David K., Malvern; Jon E., Cincinnati ; Jon, SE Ohio; Cordalia and Jim S., Eastampton, NJ.; Herb G., Newport News, Va.; Richard W., Royersford; Matt T., Philadelphia, Pa.; MWB, Mechanicsville, Va.; Phil E., Lorton, Va.; K.J., Alexandria, Va.; Jeff D., Philadelphia,; Michael R., Philadelphia,Matt T, Philadelphia, Pa.; Ed M., Paoli, Pa.(8 in a row for 8 in a row, thanks EM); Jake and Diane Gicker, Dunmore, Pa.; Ed M., Paoli, Pa.; Adrian R. Sr., Harrisburg, Pa.; Frank M., Marlton, N.J.; Ernie, Millville, N.J.; ; Jay M., Salem, Ore.; Joe S., Primos, Pa.; Phil E., Lorton, Va; Tom W., Palm Coast, Fla.; Matt M., (five donations in a row); Kevin F., Philadelphia, Pa.;Matt M. (three donations in a row, thanks, Matt); Matt M.; Matt M.; Brian C., Philadelphia, Pa.; Matt M., Hometown ;Unknown; David N., Silver Spring, Md.; Matt M., hometown unknown; Frank K., Horseheads, N.Y.; Mike F., Montauk, N.Y.; John, Landenberg, Pa.; Michael B, D.C.; Joe S., Primos, Pa.; James G., Philadelphia, Pa.; Michael R., Philadelphia, Pa.; David N., Silver Spring (Md.);
Mark H., Gilbertsville, Pa.; Lisa M., Hummelstown, Pa.; Johnny Who, West Chester, Pa.; John T., Medford, N.J. (formerly North Catholic, Philly); Jon, SE Ohio; Jay M., Salem, Ore.; Dan M., Moscow, Pa.; Cyrus, Oklahoma City; Jon E., Cincinnati; Chris K., Harrisburg, Pa.; Chip M., Silver Spring, Md.; Dave B., Springfield, Pa.; Kent J., Alexandria, Va.; Ross M., Garden City, N.Y.; Joe S., Primos, Pa.; Ed F., Philadelphia, Pa.; Frank P., Jamison, Pa.; Jon E., Cincinnati, Ohio; Phil E., Lorton, Va.; Matt G., Haddonfield, N.J.; Tom L., Charlottesville, Va.; Thomas S., Landisville, Pa.; Jack D., Haddonfield, N.J.; Heriberto S., McDonough, Ga; Dr. Jim S., Mt. Pleasant, S.C.; Dick White, Milton, Del.; Matt T., Philadelphia; Jerome S., North Caldwell, N.J.; Mike D., Fairview, N.C.; Tim W., Myerstown, Pa.; Edward P., Yardley, Pa.; Tom W., Palm Coast, Fla.; Kurt B., Wyomissing, Pa.; Joe S., Primos, Pa.; Tom S., East Norriton, Pa.; Jon E., Cincinnati, Ohio; Matt T., Yardley, Pa.; Steve C., West Chester, Pa.; Floyd, Blackwood, N.J.; Jim J., Chalfont, Pa.; John, Landenberg, Pa; Jon E., Cincinnati; Ron A., Camp Hill, Pa.; Jay S., Jenkintown, Mr. John H.; Jonathan N., Atlanta, Ga.; Michael E., Levittown, Pa.; Ted D., Media, Pa. Nick and Sharon, Upper Bucks County; Phil E., Lorton, Va.; Todd H., New York City; Alex H., Westport, CT; Joe S., Primos, PA; Kent J., Alexandria, Va.; Ross M., Garden City, N.Y.; Stanley G., Mountain Top, Pa.; David N., Silver Spring, Md.; Micah F., Philadelphia, Pa.; James S., Mt. Pleasant, S.C.; Tom W., Palm Coast, Fla.; Johnny B. at the Hill Studio, Paulsboro, N.J.; Nick C., Philadelphia; Tom C., Birmingham, Ala.; Phil. E. (Fast Phil), Lorton, Va; Jerome S., North Caldwell, N.J.; Kent J., Alexandria, Va.; George P., Downingtown, Pa.; Edward F., Philadelphia; Bryan S., North East, Pa.; Josh P., West Chester, Pa.; Brent Z., Atlanta, Ga.; David B., Springfield (D), Pa; Lisa M., Hummelstown, Pa.; David H., Pottstown, Pa.; Brian O., Ambler, Pa; Frank P., Jamison, Pa.; Brian C., Philadelphia; Mark B., Manlius, N.Y.; Ted D., Media; Scott J., Columbus, Ohio; Thomas H., Mullica Hill, N.J.; George T., Rehoboth Beach, Del.; Rob G., Fleetwood, Pa; Steve C., West Chester, Pa.; Fred A., St. Augustine, Fla.; Michael S., Westfield, N.J.; John, Landenberg, Pa.; Kent J., Alexandria, Va.; Frank P., Jamison, Pa; Matt G., Basking Ridge, N.J.; Joe S., Primos, PA; Nick and Sharon, Upper Bucks County; John T., Medford, N.J.; Cap P., Finksburg, Md; Coolowl, New York City; Michael B., Washington, D.C.; Oakee, Salem, VA; Rob from Fleetwood; John from New Kensington; Kathyrn, Bloomingville, Ohio; Rockland Owl; Matt, Haddonfield, N.J.; Anthony, New York City; Jason F., Berlin (N.J.); Ed, New Hope; Mark B., Manlius, N.Y.; Mike, Lindenwold, N.J.; Tom C., Birmingham, Ala. Jim, Mt. Pleasant, S.C.; Kurt, Wyomissing Hills, PA;
Dave, Ocean City, N.J.; James, Chalfont; Ross, Garden City (N.Y.); Schmitty, Ocean City, N.J.; Sarge (via Schmitty);
Broad Street Leon; Martin, Encino (Calif.); John, Boston; Mike, Susannanoa, N.C.; Francis, Lansdale; Tom L., Charlottesville, Va.; Mark, Gilbertsville, Pa.; Frank, Sebastian, Fla.; George, Toms River, N.J.; Tom, Branchburg, N.J.; Chris, Philly (our first Philly donation!); John, Landenberg, Pa.; Tom S. East Norriton, Pa.;
Temple Football Forever 
I agree with you Mike. The only game that came close was the ’76 PSU game when they went for two. One correction. It was 25-14 at the half.
i think in my sophomore or freshman year we had a chance to beat PSU in the last minute at the Vet.., that would have been the greatest win of all time.., did you notice the Temple sideline? they were too shocked to celebrate.., it was almost as if they could not process what just happened.., i’m screwed now, i ripped and flushed the USF tickets at the beginning of the 4th qtr
KJ,
I recall the gam that you are talking about. It was a rain-soaked game in which Temple trailed 10-7 very late in the 4th quarter. The Owls had the ball inside the 20 with just about 2-3 minutes left……and our QB fumbled the snap away. PSU scored on the next play,I believe an 70+ yard run and added on another score when TU fumbled away the ensuing kickoff. Owls lost that game 24-7, but, as you said was much, much closer and PSU was ranked VERY high at the time.
The QB, by the way, was Trent Thompson. If I recall, he really was our punter and only playing QB due to a string of crazy injuries. Can anyone confirm my recollections of this???
Plenty of tickets still available.
Well…I am happy about the win but I am still concerned about the inability to play the option on defense and on offense there is a problem with pass protection and accuracy of passes. Luckily, some of our opponents are simply not that strong so we might get lucky and pull off a seven win season but I hope that the administration realizes that this program should not even be thinking of any move to another conference like Big 12, Big 10 or ACC. Take a look at what is happening to Rutgers.
You a nathering nabob of negativity. You must be a real peach to be around. You whine when they lose and you whine when they win. Please take your complaints elsewhere and take KJ with you.
I think anokwale lost all credibility when he said Temple should drop to FCS.
What’s happening to Rutgers? They are in line to make forty million a year from the Big Ten and by becoming a member they have guaranteed their existence as a major college sports program. Once and for all stop with the 1-AA nonsense. First the Owls would have nowhere to play. Second, they are currently a good, not great football team that can play with anyone. Third, most of the the 1-AA teams draw less than 10,000 fans, Fourth, it would bring nothing to the university. Last season, which I think can be duplicated sooner than later, did more for the school publicity wise than any success in 1-AA could ever achieve. Finally, it’s one pf the dumbest comments I ever read.
Temple is so unpredictable I don’t expect much but at least now I think success is possible. And last night proved it. But if Temple is going to have a shot at USF they need to clean up those silly penalties. Last night’s 2nd half is how they need to play from the get-go. And only 1 interception. Walker operated that last hurry-up drive to perfection. And the D was better on those big runs up the middle, but not great. It appeared the O-line did better also. I’m still hoping for a “7 and a bowl” season. Last night made it possible.
Go Owls.
Yes, the hurry-up that did not exist last year at Houston reared its beautiful head at Orlando.
As my comments indicated on Mike’s previous post indicated, the team should consider speeding things during the game at times up. Can’t waste seven minutes twice and only get two field goals. It would also put the opposing defenses at a disadvantage having to wonder at what speed the offense is going to work. On D the coaches better stress assignment football this week because SFU’s qb and rb can turn a little error into six like they did last year, Owls can win this week if they play like they did in the second half. One more thing. Wonder if the refs during the Houston-Tulsa game were the same ones who did TU-Memphis? They screwed up big time on the last play because Houston had 13 guys on the field and it was not called.
Greatest finish or comeback ever? Definitely. At the risk of being called “negative”, the coaching and play-calling of this game was far from the greatest. (Can’t wait for Mike’s honest assessment of the game up to the final drive!) Temple absolutely had to win this game and I am very happy about that. If the victory propels the Owls to “greater things”, then it could be Greatest.Win.Ever ! (And after all, Mike’s article title doesn’t claim that it was the greatest.GAME.Ever!!).
Greatest win ever, because it opens up a path to a league championship. Lose, and the path does not exist. Our destiny is in our own hands. We have only one league championship trophy in the E-O and it is from 1967. I maintain it was the greatest win ever because none of those other wins opened up the possibility of winning a league title, which is realistically the best Temple can hope to do as a football program outside the P5 cartel. That win, was, as Bernie or Donald would say, huuuuuuge. UCF won at ECU, 47-29, which beat NC State, which beat Notre Dame (and took Clemson to OT). Tulsa, which should have beaten Houston if not for the refs missing 13 men on the field, survived SMU, 43-40, a team the Owls beat, 45-20. Houston is not looking so invincible anymore and the Owls might be getting better. USF is the biggest hurdle. Put a spy on Quintin Flowers and away we go.
Very curious about your assessment of the coaching and play-calling for the entire game, not just the thrilling final drive and great result! Thanks.
Not great, but not the worst, either. Much worse against Army and Penn State. Coaches didn’t make a bad read on that option play (Praise did). Overall, mostly physical errors and not mental ones led to 25-7.
I’ve got to say this is one of the most enigmatic versions of the Owls I can remember, which I believe is a direct reflection of their coach and QB. Walker’s performance this year has ranged from awful, as demonstrated in some of the untimely sacks and interceptions he’s tossed, to serviceable. Last nights final drive really blew me away as this was the version of PJW I had hoped for and frankly expected during his final act as QB for this team.
I also thought MR made some very curious decisions during the game which I hope he’s able to learn from. I won’t reiterate some of the play calls that were made but rather would highlight one of the messages of his post game presser in which this was a learning opportunity.
I was happy to finally see the owls show some fight this season which I hope provides a springboard for a strong run to a bowl game but I’m still concerned about the amount of penalties and penchant for giving up the big play. For now I’ll savor an incredible win and bask in the moment.
Definitely basking time.
I see the advantages for short stature Phillip to roll out to pass, but the disadvantage (shown by the UCF defense) is that the defense loads its secondary to that side, knowing that a throw to the other side is a long in the air throw and very risky. This was a heart stopper. Our guys never gave up despite playing really sloppy and not smart for most of the first half. I don’t know why we keep playing great for only one half of the game. That cost us a loss at Memphis and almost one last night. By the way, other exciting and great wins come to mind. There was that upset of Virginia Tech (ranked I think it was seventh at the time) at their homecoming event by a winless Temple team (If I recall right, it was with our backup qb, Mac Davis? at the helm) and the last minute win over Navy by BP’s long run from scrimmage. Rabbi Dick White (Salisrab)
When the d loads up to the right, throw the ball to Thomas running a wheel route on the left, a shovel pass to someone in the spacer vacated by the rushing defenders, even a version of the screen Thomas scored on last night.
The hi-lites should have included the three passes that preceded the TD pass. Still can’t process that they won. They had to have less than a one percent chance to win.
Mike, HELP, what am I to think now about TU football for the rest of the year, the coaching staff, the qb play , the hopes for more 4 wins ? I am confused. ???? are they good / bad/ or un-predictable ????? We will be there Friday night to cheer then on.
You got really personal, Mike, which made it one of your top blog posts.
I have been very pro-Rhule since his hire, but this could have been his worst coaching game to date. I’m mot talking about game plan, or prep. I am talking about in game management. Forget about not kicking the field goals. I almost threw something at my tv at the end of the first half. 4th and 1 at about the 45 with :35 left. Rhule has to call that time out. No way UCF would have gone for it and risk TU getting the ball back that close to midfield. They would have punted. Instead, you gave them a free shot at the end zone. It ended up in a sack, but why take the chance?
Its these situations that scare me about Rhule. Terrible in game management!
I think Rhule has been assessed here fairly accurately, good recruiter, good “CEO” of the program, great face of the University who has some shortcomings as a game day coach. I don’t think he is alone there, it’s tough and very expensive to find coaches nowadays that cover all the bases well. To me the key is getting good coordinators who can handle the game management.
That is a great point about how tough it is to find a “great” gameday coach. You can count those on one hand. Heck, Nick Saban might be one but we will never really know because all he gets is five-star recruits. I know damn well Wayne Hardin was one. Present day, Bobby Petrino is one. Jeff Brohm (Western Kentucky) is one. Ken Niumatalolo (Navy) is one. I would be hard-pressed to come up with guys who consistently get more out of their talent than those guys and that’s really what makes a great gameday coach. At the very top is a guy like Niumatalolo and at the very bottom is Steve Addazio. Somewhere in the middle of that 126-coach group is Matt Rhule.
Aided by hurricane force running game, the Owls overcame first half doldrums, mounted a thunderous defense with a lightning fast pass rush and stormed in on a 70-yard, 30-second winning derecho drive. A definitive team victory and windy game summary.
Good game to adjust to a SEC-type speed defense. UCF LB’s and DB’s closed quickly to shut down openings. USF just as fast if not faster. Backs will need to keep their heads up on quick openers, and receivers should secure ball on receptions before thinking about YAK because they will be getting thumped very quickly.
This team could finish strong if the defense can stop giving up big plays. It hurt them at PSU, killed them against Memphis and almost beat them at UCF. They need some help in the middle of the field, inside LB and strong safety look very vulnerable.
Both Mike and I have been “screaming” for Rhule to move Sharga back to his strongest position, LB! WOULD SOME REPORTER PLEASE ASK HIM ABOUT THIS AT A PRESS CONFERENCE?! Seems like there is a long run every game, right through the linebackers.
I sent M. Narducci at the Daily News an email asking him to pose the question. Let’s see if he asks it.
good job, john. I will send him an email reminding him that you sent him that email. 🙂 Matt’s weekly meeting with the press is Tuesday (tomorrow). I know one thing. Pravdascoop.com is about as likely to ask Matt that question as the real Pravda would have been asking Joe Stalin why he had 200 Red Army generals killed before WWII.