Temple is extra focused coming into the week following their statement defensive win against Maryland. The defense came up with multiple stops throughout the contest and limited the opponent’s weapon at Quarterback in Josh Jackson. Shawn Bradley helped anchor the defense, putting his name on the map with big plays all over the field. On two crucial 4th-downs, the Owls came up with clutch defensive stops in the red zone to jump to 2-0 on the year.
Although it was a big win, the players know that following coaches’ 24-hour rule, they have to shift their focus to their next matchup at hand.
“We just talk about it amongst ourselves,” senior Shaun Bradley said. “We’re really close as a team, so after Sunday was over, we shifted our focus on going 1-0 in the week and focusing just on Buffalo. Maryland doesn’t help win conference championships so were not worried about that.”
Last year, Temple dropped to 0-2 following a loss to the visiting Buffalo Bulls. Coming off a season-opening loss to Villanova, Temple couldn’t hold off a relentless Buffalo team, losing the game 36 – 29. They travel this weekend to visit the Bulls as they hope to keep their momentum rolling, looking for their 3rd win in the Rod Carey era.
Buffalo this season comes into the game 1-2. The Bulls’ first win came against Robert Morris University but dropped their last two games to Penn State and Liberty by double figures. Buffalo’s offense hasn’t been what they wanted so far in the year, only being able to account for 22 points per contest. With that said, Temple understands not to make the same mistake of taking them lightly.
“I look at it, and I see a really good football team,” coach Carey told reporters. “And I know their record isn’t what they want it to be at this point, but they have our full attention.”
Temple will hope to duplicate some of the defensive performances last week by key guys like Shaun Bradley and Redshirt-Sophmore Ifeanyi Maijeh. Bradley racked up eight big tackles including one on 4th down to save the game. His fellow defensive lineman, Ifeanyi Maijeh, was honored with the Bednarik Defensive player of the week award following his five tackle, three-sack performance.
Anthony Russo continues to look solid in the early part of the season. Coming off his 400-yard week one performance, Russo put his stamp on the Maryland game with over 250 yards in the air and three touchdowns to aid the defense in the win. He talked at practice Tuesday on the mindset for the team going into the matchup against a tough Buffalo team.
“We know they’re going to be a tough test for us. We have a lot of young guys who will have their first away experience so; we have to be locked in from the start and be ready to go up there and match their intensity.”
Temple will look to become 3-0 for the first time since 2015 before next weeks anticipated matchup against former head coach Geoff Collins and Georgia Tech.
Kickoff at Buffalo’s UB Stadium is Saturday at 3:30.
ESPNU will be the broadcast partner for the game including 97.5 the fanatic and WHIP radio.
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