Owls Open Week One Against Their Mid-State Rival
Temple University - Philadelphia, PA
The cherry juices are flowing. It's been 74 years since Temple University's football team beat their middle-state rival, the Penn State Nittany Lions.
For Owl's fans, this 74-year drought is long overdue to be terminated.
"Temple's team has a lot of underrated talent," said Sean Maloney, recent graduate from Temple University's Fox School of Business. "It would mean a lot to the University, their fans and to the City of Philadelphia if they were able to pull this off."
One thing is for certain, if the Owls are able to beat the Nittany Lions, this year is the perfect opportunity to do so. Temple is catching Penn State week one at home. Energy levels will be high and the Owls have a lot to prove. In 2013 the Owls only won two games. Last season, the Owls finished with a record of 6-6 and were bowl-eligible but did not secure a bid.
Senior LB Tyler Matakevich the face of Temple vs. PSU match-up
"It felt disappointing not only as a student but also as a fan because we ended the season on a high note and I felt the team deserved to have another chance," said Maloney.
Owls head coach Matt Rhule addressed fans at a season ticket holder party mid-August. Rhule thanked the fans for their continued support and promised that this year would be different.
"If you were here with us two years ago when we had all of those heart-breaking losses and all these seniors were growing up right before our eyes, thank you so much," said Rhule, going into his third season. "We cannot wait to see you guys (fans) September 5th when we beat the team from central Pennsylvania."
According to an article posted on owlsports.com the Owls have 19 returning starters. Ten of those starters are from a defense that is ranked fourth nationally in scoring last season. Owls senior linebacker, Tyler Matakevich, has averaged a total of 355 tackles in just three seasons and won't be holding anything back when Penn States quarterback, Christian Hackenberg takes the field.
The Owls host the Nittany Lions at Lincoln Financial Field this Saturday at 3:30pm. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN.
-Main photo curtesy of owlsports.com