While it might not have been the prettiest football game, the Owls managed to win their second game of the season with a 13-10 overtime battle with Central Michigan.
I think that my heart stopped three or four times in this game.
If not for a forced fumble with under 30 seconds in regulation, there's no way in my opinion that we were going to win this game. An unbelievable rush from the front four caused CMU to lose the ball and time to run out.
The Chippewas were in field goal position to start the drive after Chester Stewart's fumble.
Let's start at the beginning, though.
CMU received the opening kick and was forced to punt shortly into the drive. The Owls tried to set the tempo of the game on their first play from scrimmage when Stewart connected with Rod Streater for 56 yards. TU managed to get into solid FG position, but it wasn't enough. Brandon McManus was unable to connect on a 44-yard field goal.
Temple's defense came on strong in the second quarter, stopping the Chippewas on a 4th and 1 run. The Owls drove the ball 53 yards to Central Michigan's 21 yard line, but once again were not able to find the end zone. McManus, hoping to redeem himself, attempted a 38-yard field goal and again could not connect.
The Owls' next drive began with 5:38 remaining in the half. A 24-yard Bernard Pierce rush helped ignite the offense in the final minutes of the second quarter. The drive resulted in B.P's first touchdown of the season on a 4-yard run. (TEMPLE - 7, CENTRAL MICHIGAN - 0)
Temple lead 7-0 after the first half, and would have the ball at the start of the third quarter.
Through about 6 minutes of play, both teams were stalled by each other's defenses each and every series. Most of this game was more of a battle who's defense would give up the first points rather than which team would score first.
Central Michigan's offense got rolling after a 70-yard reception by Cody Wilson. His catch and run took the Chippewas down to the 1 yard line, where they were able to score on the following play. CMU tied the game up on a carry by Parris Cotton (TEMPLE - 7, CENTRAL MICHIGAN - 7).
The Owls responded on the following possession with a McManus field goal. His made kick was 31 yards deep, ending his drought. (TEMPLE - 10, CENTRAL MICHIGAN - 7)
Central Michigan trailed by three entering the fourth quarter.
Through half of the final quarter, Temple's defense was able to limit the Chips from really any offensive production. Their own offense though, continued to be held up by a veteran CMU group. A 7 minute drive though by Central Michigan lead to a game-tying field goal with 1:11 remaining. (TEMPLe - 10, CENTRAL MICHIGAN - 10)
Could Chester Stewart replicate the two-minute drill the Owls had against Villanova? With :35 seconds remaining, Stewart was rushed and the ball was knocked out, giving CMU the ball at Temple's 35; if all went smooth for the Dan Enos and his team, this game was definitely over.
Temple's defense came back onto the field and saved the game. The pressure by the defensive line (Muhammad Wilkerson specifically) forced quarterback Dan Radcliffe to fumble the ball, and time expired. (OT: TEMPLE - 10, CENTRAL MICHIGAN 10)
TU deferred the possession for overtime, putting the momentum-filled defense back onto the field. After driving down to Temple's 13, Kee-ayre Griffin made one of the biggest plays of his career. On 2nd and 8, Radcliffe was rushed and had to force the ball somewhere. Griffin was in the right position and picked off the ball.
Temple's turn: Matt Brown set up an Owls' field goal after five straight carries. Brandon McManus once again performed when it was REALLY needed, and connected on a 30 yard field goal to win the game.
Temple defeats Central Michigan in overtime, 13-10.
Several thoughts on Thursday night's outcome:
- Temple's first play of the game was a 56 yard bomb from Chester Stewart to Rod Streater. Why they shied away from the aerial attack? Don't think I'll understand..
- The Owls have defeated arguably the best MAC program there is. This was an early challenge that will help build some momentum going back out-of conference and further into the conference schedule.
- Bernard Pierce was able to find the endzone for the first time in the 2010 season. Hopefully this will be a confidence booster for him and the team, and maybe we'll see some more offensive production when the Owls welcome Connecticut next week.
- If not for the defensive line's pressure on CMU's last possession in regulation, there's no doubt in my mind we would have lost this game. The Chips were in a perfect position to kick a field goal to win the game.
- Kee-ayre Griffin's interception was crucial for the Owls, as it's always somewhat of a gamble to send the defense out first in overtime. His pick set up Temple for an opportunity to end the game on a field goal rather than forcing a score.
- Temple is (2-0) for the first time since 1981. In addition, TU has one a program high 7 straight home games.
- The Owls are the only remaining undefeated team in the Mid-American Conference.
INJURIES: Wayne Tribue looked like he was stepped on and was very slow getting up. He came back from the locker room in street clothes and crutches. Bernard Pierce was out of the game early because of a hand injury. Trainers bandaged him up, and he was given some sort of medicine maybe to soothe any pain.
Temple will welcome the Connecticut Huskies back to the Linc on September 18th!
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