Things have been rough for the Owls through 6 games (1-5,1-5) but Saturday offers them a chance to right the ship vs ECU (1-5). The Owls have lost their last 4 games by an average of 24 points. The Pirates, (1-6,1-5) have lost their last 4 contests by an average of 15.75 points, including a 55-17 loss to top 10 Cincinnati.
Last week, the Owls fell to UCF, 13-38. Although the Owls outgained UCF on the ground, the Knights got the most of their opportunities, with 3 rushing touchdowns. UCF also outgained the Owls through the air, 272-107.
Temple Head Coach Rod Carey had the following on to say on his team’s performance Saturday:
“After reviewing film, I thought that there were a lot of positives in that game….[however] we dug too big of a hole, but our defense played well enough to win. Offensively, we did not even though we ran the ball effectively.”
“Still disappointed with the outcome….back at it [with] ECU on Saturday. I know their record is similar as ours at this point, they’ve been in some games as well.”
Red-shirt sophomore Re-al Mitchell made his first career start Saturday. Mitchell went for just 10 of 23 for 107 yards and two interceptions. Mitchell was also strip sacked in the opening drive, leading to an early UCF score.
On the bright side, the Owls rushing-by-committee attack looked impressive in the absence of Re’mahn Davis, who opted out 0f the 2020 season to enter the transfer portal. The group, as fore-mentioned picked up an impressive 183 yards. The rushing attack was led by Redshirt Senior Tayvon Ruley. The Darby, PA product racked up 97 on 23 carries.
Coach Rod Carey was asked about their performance:
“I like the way they’re running behind their pads. They all have unique gifts, [I’d] like someone to jump up and assume that role (starting running back). Tayvon has that right now, but I think there is great competition there.”
The last time Temple faced off vs ECU, it was last October, when the Owls pulled off a 27-17 win on the road.
Saturday’s contest, like all others will air on ESPN+ and 97.5 The Fanatic and will kickoff at noon ET.
For more information on tickets and subsequent refunds, click here.
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