In a comment to my Temple prediction, 2theLion noted that I was off-base in impugning Temple’s offense. Her comment was valid, because I had asserted that the Owls “…[have not] had much luck scoring points on offense lately…” As 2theLion pointed out, they have indeed scored 75 points in the past three games. However, a closer look reveals that the number of points scored by the Owls is misleading.
So, I’ll break down Temple’s schedule thus far, letting you know at what point in the game they scored their first points and what the opposition’s lead was at that time. ?????? ????? My implication is that on most occasions when Temple scored it was essentially “garbage time” after their opponents had jumped out to big leads.
Buffalo: the game was deadlocked at 0-0 before the Bulls scored a field goal at 7:38 in the fourth quarter. Temple came back to tie with 1:44 left. ???? ???? ???? Then Buffalo scored a TD in overtime. Final score: 3–9
Louisville: The Cardinals scored 62 unanswered points and they’re still waiting for an answer. Final score: 0–62
Minnesota: Identical situation to Louisville. Final score: 0–62
Western Michigan: The Broncos jumped out to a 17 point lead before Temple scored its first points at 10:53 in the third quarter. Final score: 7–41
Vanderbilt: The Commodores established a 24–0 lead. Temple scored a touchdown on a long run at the end of the first half. Final score: 14–43
Kent State: The Owls scored first. Final score: 17–28
Clemson: Temple drew first blood with a field goal at 13:03 of the first period. Then, they weren’t heard from again until the Tigers had put 63 points on the board, scoring a touchdown at 12:20 of the final stanza. Final score: 9–63
Northern Illinois: The Huskies scored 40 unanswered points before Temple scored with 3:51 left in the third period. Final score: 21–43
Bowling Green: The Falcons jumped out to a 7–0 lead, but the mighty Owls tied them at 7:36 of the first quarter and went on to victory. Final score: 28–14 (Temple’s only win!)
Central Michigan: The Chippewas had already built a 28–0 advantage before Temple scored with six seconds remaining in the first half. Final score: 26–42
And so, I reassert my claim that Penn State will whip the Owls 45–7. (Based on Temple’s habit of going for two in hopeless situations, perhaps that should be 45–6. Close enough!) My hope is that our coaching brain trust turns Morelli and his receivers loose with the vertical game. Shitcan the short, ostensibly safe sideline passes and go for broke. If any game is to be in control at all times, this one is. ??? ???? ???? ??? Air it out in the first half, go up by four or five touchdowns, and then let’s get a good look at Daryll Clark.
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2theLion says
Hey NT!
I didn’t mean any disrespect to your analysis (which proved to be pretty spot on – although you were a little generous with the Temple points) – I was just taking the tried and true Paterno position of never underestimating one’s opponent.
The game was dreary – both on the field and in the stands – it was a little difficult to get too excited about the Lions’ performance as anything less would have been a disappointment.
A friend and I darted over to the North stands to clap for the Owls as the exited the field. I wish Al Golden much success (against everyone but PSU) and I hope that they can turn the program around.
ps, I’m a “she”
The Nittany Turkey says
Oops…sincere apologies for the gender faux pas!
I didn’t take it as disrespect. I, too, had many trepidations after the Illinois, Purdue, and Wisconsin games, fearing that the worst could happen with Temple. However, I looked in detail at some of Temple’s performances and my spirits were buoyed. I couldn’t see our offense scoring 62 or 63 on Temple as did Louisville, Minnesota, or Clemson—they make too many mistakes and the passing game is still not where we need it to be. Morelli still stares down receivers and throws inaccurately, as was evident when a Temple cornerback jumped a route at the beginning of the game. So, for this offense, 47 was about as good as one could expect.
Al Golden has a young team, and he has a lot of work ahead of him. Recruiting in the PA-OH-NJ area is going to be very difficult for him. I do wish him well, though. It has to be demoralizing to go out there every Saturday and have a bundle of points scored on you. Good for you and your friend for going over there to give the team some Penn State hospitality!
I have it on good word that regardless of the outcome this weekend, the Lions are going to the Outback Bowl. If it comes to pass, you heard it here first. If it doesn’t, well, I’ll be on somebody’s table at Thanksgiving.
—TNT