The sun was shining bright, and the Owl faithful came ready to the Linc for the season opener for Temple football.
Well aware of their past struggles to start the season, both sides of the ball prepared for everything Bucknell would throw at them.
Coach Carey knew getting out to a hot start would help the Owls secure a victory. “Yeah, I mean you like to do that every game you play, so today was no different than any other game from that perspective.”
Temple received the ball to start the game, and from there, they never looked back. The Owls scored on their first three offensive drives. Two touchdown runs from Jager Gardner and Jadan Blue’s first career touchdown gave Temple an early 21-0 lead.
The Owls maintained their pressure on Bucknell who struggled to get any offense going.
After being named the starter late in the week, Anthony Russo left his mark early in the contest. During the first half, he threw for 321 yards which marked a new career-high.
“With a mix of run/pass plays, shifts, and motions, I think coach put us in a great position to make plays and get the ball down the field.”
After a 35 – 9 lead to end the first half, the second half for the Owls was more of the same result. Russo looking like a man on a mission, added to his strong performance finishing with a career-high 409 yards and four touchdowns.
Strong receiving performances by Jadan Blue (117yds) and Branden Mack (130yds) complimented by two-touchdowns for Jager Garnder gave the Owls a 56 – 12 win. This win marked their largest season-opening victory since 1969.
As Temples season-opening losing streak finally comes to an end today, they will be off with a BYE next week before preparing for their matchup against Maryland at home. That game is scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 14th at noon.
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