The Football Hurricanes Post a 41 – 7 Win on a Breezy, Rainy Day
PHILADELPHIA, PA. 9/23/2023 –
It can be said that two hurricanes came to town; Ophelia and the University of Miami football team. We’ll let the weather apps deal with Ophelia, so let’s concentrate on the football game.
If the Temple Owls were to pull off an upset of the 20th ranked Miami Hurricanes of the ACC, it would take a stellar defensive effort, solid balance on offense, and no turnovers. Temple did not get enough in the 41 – 7 loss at the Linc.
The biggest disparity was in the running game where Miami ran for 323 yards compared to 11 for Temple who did not break double-digits in rushing until their last drive. In the type of conditions in which the game was played, a good running game was important. The huge differential made the Owls task more daunting.
“It’s tough,” said Temple Coach Stan Drayton. “In the first quarter I thought we were throwing, catching decent, but it’s tough. It’s tough even without conditions. If we can’t establish the run with the style of offense we’re playing, it’s going to struggle. We definitely have to address that issue.”
Hurricanes junior running back Henry Parrish, Jr. led the ground attack with a career-high 139 yards. He scored twice. Sophomore back Donald Chaney, Jr. added 61 yards.
Temple With Production in the Air
The Owls did get their yards via the passing game. Wide Receiver Amad Anderson, Jr. set career-marks in receptions with 10 and in yards at 117. Sophomore quarterback E.J. Warner completed 22 of 29 passing attempts for 240 yards. He had a touchdown. Two passes were intercepted.
The only score of the game for the Cherry and White came two seconds before halftime. Warner withstood a fierce pass rush and threw the ball to freshman tight end Reese Clark, from Saint Joseph’s Prep, for a 9-yard scoring toss. It was the initial touchdown reception in his collegiate career, and capped an 8-paly, 70-yard drive taking 1:01.
“They got pressure on me so I just kept my eyes downfield and trusted that Reese (Clark) is going to be there. He made a good play, took a hit, and got a good touchdown catch.”
Miami Offense Tough To Stop
The defense did not stop the opposition as the Hurricanes put points on the board 7 times, 6 touchdowns and a field goal, in 11 possessions.
Junior quarterback Tyler Van Dyke threw for 220 yards completing 17 of 24 and three touchdowns. Junior wide receiver Xavier Restrepo caught 7 passes for 41 yards scoring twice. The other touchdown toss went to junior wide receiver Colbie Young.
Temple safety Tywan Francis felt it as Miami took advantage of Temple not properly covering the gaps.
The Cherry and White did not help themselves by committing 3 turnovers that cost them 14 points
Short Week For Temple
The Owls (2 – 2) have a short week of preparation before their next game, and cannot dwell on this one. They play Thursday at Tulsa, the conference opener.
“We’ve got to flush it in a hurry,” Drayton said. “I’ve got good leadership in the locker room. They don’t like losing, it doesn’t feel good for anybody in our program, and it’s not the standard we are trying to set. We have to flush it, it’s necessary.”
In Memory of JoAnne A. Epps
Temple played with heavy hearts as acting President JoAnne A. Epps tragically passed away earlier this week. As a tribute a moment of silence in her memory was observed. And she occupied a special place being memorialized by a seat dedicated to her.
Written By: Glenn Papazian
Contact: Glenn@PhillyCollegeSports.com
Be the first to comment