Game 597: Temple turnovers topple Tech, 24-2
Philadelphia – The Temple Owls defeated the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets visiting under their former Head Coach Geoff Collins with big plays on defense to win their third game of the season under their new Head Coach Rod Carey, 24-2. The Owls came up big in several situations where Tech threatened to score nearing the red zone. Offensively for Temple, RB Re’Mahn Davis rushed 29 times for 135 yards and two TDs. The Owl record now stands at 3-1 since Carey took over after his successful stint at Northern Illinois.
So close, but no cigars!
Temple’s opening drive came to an abrupt end when Tech DB Kaleb Oliver swooped in front of Anthony Russo’s pass in the end zone to put Tech’s offense on their 20 with the touchback. Temple stopped Georgia Tech on downs on their next drive. Heading into the second, however, the Owls came up with a big defensive play on Tech’s next drive. The Owls thwarted what looked to be a sure TD as QB Tobias Oliver approached the goal line in an open field. Met inches from the goal line where LB Isaiah Graham-Mobley hit him high causing a fumble, CB Christian Braswell recovered the ball in the end zone. Both teams suffered turnovers at the goal line early in this game putting up yardage but no points.
Late in the second through which both offenses had been held in check, Temple broke the scoreless stalemate as Davis capped a 58-yard scoring drive for the Owls with an 18-yard TD scamper. On the Owls’ subsequent possession, he carried the ball in at the one to finish a 73-yard drive to lead Tech going into the half, 14-0.
Turnover time
Tech’s offense seemed to be building steam once again on its first drive of the second crossing into Temple territory, but DT Ifeanyi Maijeh forced Oliver to fumble once again. The ball hopped into the waiting arms of S Benny Walls who promptly sped past the Tech line and cruised down the left sideline for a 74-yard touchdown jaunt. Tech’s defense did what its offense couldn’t following a punt to the Temple one. They wiped their “goose egg” off the scoreboard with a tackle of Davis in the end zone for a safety. Temple added Will Mobley’s 34-yard FG before the end of the third period to tack up the final score, 24-2.
In the waning minutes of play, once again Tech threatened with a deep scoring drive to TU’s 14. However, this drive into the end zone misfired as Walls intercepted for his second turnover of the day. Temple’s defense came up big to hold a Tech offense that just couldn’t cash in on several drives they threatened to score on.
Rambling Wrecks alright!
The Yellow Jackets fell to 1-3 with ACC play to contend with in the coming weeks. Guest Game Analyst Bill Reilly (Juniata College) and I agreed that despite long drives, Tech still seemed to struggle converting from the previous triple-option run under former HC Paul Johnson to the more balanced attack Collins wants to implement. It was surprising though that running game lacked some punch from that experience to get the ball into the end zone. Their O-line was big and their backs quick and shifty. Turnovers killed several chances to score.
Next!
Temple has a short week to prepare for a Thursday night game against East Carolina in an AAC game. Tech hosts North Carolina (2-3) one week after the Tar Heels’ one-point loss to Clemson that dropped the Tigers from No. 1 to No. 2. Tech fell to Clemson in their opener, 52-14.
We at Collegefootballfan.com look forward to our first 2019 game at Annapolis this upcoming weekend when the Midshipmen of Navy (2-1) host arch-rival Air Force (3-1) in the first meeting for the Commander-in-Chiefs Trophy for Academy football supremacy. We look forward to a new experience at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium when our group will watch the game at the venue’s Anchor Club where we will get to enjoy the cuisine at the Captain’s BBQ. Go Navy!