PHILLY COLLEGE SPORTS FOOTBALL WEEK IN REVIEW
Penn Claims A Share of First Place In the Ivy League Stopping Harvard League Winning Streak, Villanova Wins A Thriller
Games of November 14, 2015
#22 TEMPLE – Overall 8 – 2, 5 – 1 American Athletic Conference
Result – Lost 44 – 23 at USF
Summary – The Owls have an 8 – 2 record, and despite the loss it is still their best start since 2010 with the same record. However they drop out of the Top 25 a place occupied for a month, the longest run in school history. However, they still hold position #22 in the College Playoff rankings. Temple had the chance to clinch a spot in the AAC Championship game with a win. However, the defense gave up three plays of 40 yards or more which happened only three times previously this season. In a five minute stretch the Bulls reeled off 258 yards and 28 points. The Owls started the game strong with an 8-play, 92 yard drive to open the scoring when Jahad Thomas crossed the line. It was his 17th touchdown of the season. P.J. Walker reached the 2,000 yard passing mark throwing for 259 yards and a touchdown. For USF running back Marlon Mack ran for 230 yards and 2 touchdowns while catching 3 passes for 42 yards and a score. Quarterback ran for 90 yards while passing for 230. Temple faces nationally ranked Memphis in their next game. The Tigers are coming off a disappointing loss to Houston.
Next Game – November 21 vs.#21 Memphis at the Linc – Noon Kickoff
VILLANOVA – Overall 6 – 4, 4 – 2 CAA
Result – Won 21 – 20 vs. #9 Richmond at Villanova Stadium
Summary – The Wildcats needed a team effort to upset #9 Richmond, and they got it. The offense put together a last minute scoring drive capped by an 8-yard touchdown pass from Zach Bednarczyk to Kevin Gulyas on a 4th down play with 41 seconds on the clock. Freshman kicker Gerard Smith added the winning point. This came after Villanova gave up a touchdown with under 5 minutes remaining to fall behind 20 – 14, then the special teams Cameron McCurry and Reggie Paris blocked the extra point which put the Blue and White in position to pull the game out. On defense the Wildcats forced 2 turnovers in the red zone, a fumble recovery and an interception. Richnond was 3 of 5 in the red zone for the game. A big play for the special teams happened on the second half kickoff when McCurry forced a fumble on the return that was recovered by Don Cherry setting up Villanova at the Richmond 14 yard line. The Cats scored on the next play as Quenton McClenton ran around the left side for a touchdown to get a 14- 7 lead. McCurry had 8 tackles and a sack to earn the CAA Defensive Player of the Week award. Villanova is in a second place tie in the CAA with two other teams just one game behind league leading William & Mary.
For more details read Villanova Outlasts Richmond 21 – 20
Next Game – November 21 at James Madison
PENN – Overall 6 –3, Ivy League 5 – 1
Result – Won 35 – 25 at #12 Harvard
Summary – It seemed so improbable after a loss against Dartmouth earlier this season. Who figured the Penn had a chance for the Ivy title. It happened when the Red and Blue stopped a 16-game conference winning streak (22 games overall) by the Crimson. Penn fell behind 25 – 21 at halftime, but did not allow a point in the second half. Quarterback Alek Torgersen found Ryan Kelly with a 28-yard touchdown pass to put the Quakers ahead to stay. Wide receiver Justin Watson accented the win with a 79-yard touchdown run. For the game he had 100 rushing yards and had seven receptions for 149 yards and a score. For his effort Watson was named the Ivy League Offensive Player of the Week. Torgersen threw for 245 yards. Linebacker Tyler Drake made 12 tackles and made the Ivy Honor Roll. Next up for Penn is a game against 1 – 8 Cornell. A win assures the Red and Blue of the Ivy League title, and should Harvard lose to Yale the crown will be theirs outright. What a first year for Ray Priore, an Ivy League Championship, a winning record in his first year, and a win over Villanova.
Next Game – November 21 vs. Cornell at Franklin Field – Noon Kickoff
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