Listen here as PSD's Ben Medland recaps Temple's 49-6 victory vs. East Carolina:
PHILADELPHIA - Temple University came off of a tough loss to Boston College with the hunger to win at home against East Carolina. They got the job done by demolishing the Pirates on Saturday, 49-6.
After an early interception by redshirt sophomore quarterback Anthony Russo, the Owls got it back and took it all the way down into enemy territory. Junior running back Ryquell Armstead helped the Owls march down field with a few big rushes. The drive was capped off by a touchdown pass to Sean Ryan, in what was his first career touchdown.
As the first quarter neared its end, the Owls got back on the board with a seven-yard touchdown to redshirt freshman Branden Mack, increasing their lead to 14-0.
Just after the first quarter ended, the Owls found their way back into the end zone from an Armstead touchdown run, making it 21-0.
Armstead was able to run the ball very effectively, ending the game with 91 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Sophomore receiver Isaiah Wright also got the Owls a touchdown after he took a punt return 59 yards to the house making it 28-0, with still 12:24 left to play in the second quarter.
After most of the second quarter was used up by ECU to get a field goal, the Owls got the ball back and Isaiah Wright found himself in the end zone again. Wright caught a 19-yard touchdown pass making it 35-3, which then brought them into the half shortly after.
The second half was all Owls as they put up 14 points and won the game, 49-6.
Second half touchdowns came on a nice route by sophomore receiver Randle Jones, and a goal line rush by defensive lineman Freddie Booth-Lloyd.
Russo also played exceptionally well during this game, going 21-25 and throwing for 254 yards and four touchdowns.
Russo was quick to give the focus of the offensive performance to his teammates.
“Another day of receivers making plays,” Russo said. “Then the O-line playing tremendous again, another week in a row."
Head coach Geoff Collins talked about his defense and their ability to limit the Pirates to six points.
“I don’t know officially how many three and outs they had but it was a bunch,” said Collins. “We challenged them, made sure we are getting off the field and they did that."
After the win, the Owls move to .500 at 3-3, and will travel to play Navy.