PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Temple (1-1, 0-0) was defeated by the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (2-0, 1-0) at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, N.J., 36-7. Rutgers defense was the story of the game, turning Temple over two times. Tywan Francis impressed for a second straight week. After making the game sealing interception in last week’s win over Akron, the safety led the Owls with a career-high tying 11 tackles, including three solo and a pass breakup.
How It Happened
- Following a three-and-out on Temple’s first drive, the Owls defense came up with a big turnover to regain possession on the ensuing drive. After the Scarlet Knights moved the ball into the red zone, cornerback Ben Osueke forced a fumble that was recovered by linebacker Yvandy Rigby at the Temple six-yard line.
- With 3:54 remaining in the first quarter, Rutgers scored the first points of the game off a 33-yard touchdown completion from quarterback Gavin Wimsatt to running back Ja’shon Benjamin. The first quarter ended with the Owls trailing 7-0.
- The Scarlet Knights extended their lead to 10-0, behind a 51-yard field goal by kicker Jai Patel.
- With 9:01 remaining in the second quarter, Wimsatt completed a 61-yard pass to wide receiver JaQuae Jackson to move Rutgers from their own nine-yard line to the Temple 30-yard line. Temple’s defense held on the following three plays and limited Rutgers to a 43-yard field goal that stretched the Owls deficit to 13-0 with 7:22 left in the half. After both teams exchanged empty drives, Temple went into halftime down by 13 points.
- On Temple’s first offensive possession of the second half, the Owls moved the ball 84 yards down to the Rutgers three-yard line. The Scarlet Knights held the Owls from scoring and Temple turned the ball over on downs.
- The Owls came out strong on defense in the second half, forcing the Scarlet Knights to punt on their first three drives. Both teams were held scoreless in the third quarter, as the Owls entered the fourth quarter down 13-0.
- With 14:51 remaining in the 4th quarter, quarterback E.J. Warner connected with wide receiver Dante Wright for a nine-yard touchdown pass that trimmed the deficit to 13-7. A 28-yard completion to Amad Anderson Jr. earlier in the drive helped the Owls move down field.
- The Scarlet Knights responded on the ensuing drive, scoring on a one-yard rushing touchdown from running back Kyle Monangai with 11:48 remaining in the fourth quarter. Temple stopped the two-point conversion, putting the score at 19-7 in favor of Rutgers.
- The Scarlet Knights added another field goal in the fourth quarter and scored on a one-yard rushing touchdown by running back Samuel Brown V with 5:37 remaining in the game to stretch Rutgers’ lead to 29-7. The Owls went on to lose 36-7.
Notes
- Osueke’s forced fumble, and Rigby’s recovery in the first quarter were both the firsts of their career.
- Temple tight end Reese Clark recorded his first career reception in the second quarter.
- The following players made their Temple debuts: RB Joquez Smith and TE Peter Clarke.
- Wright’s touchdown reception in the first quarter was his first as an Owl. He led Temple in receiving yards with 63.
Statistically Speaking
- Linebacker Jordan Magee recorded his first sack of the season, along with three solo tackles and 10 total tackles.
- In his Temple debut, running back Joquez Smith rushed nine times for a team-high 45 yards.
- Defensive lineman Tra Thomas tied a career high in tackles with nine.
Up Next
The Owls will return to Philadelphia for a Week 3 matchup against the Norfolk State Spartans. Kick-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Lincoln Financial Field and will air on ESPN+. Tickets are available at owlstix.com or by calling the Temple ticket office at 215-204-8499.