The decision to do so was controversial, in the wake of the sexual abuse scandal involving former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky – a scandal that rocked college athletics and ultimately led to Paterno’s firing shortly before his death in 2012.
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Temple returned 14 starters this season, however, their best player from previous year, Taylor Matekevich, is now in the National Football League and playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers. His yards per carry are down from a year ago but could look to have a breakout game against this Temple rush defense.
On the day Penn State remembered Joe Paterno’s contributions on the 50th anniversary of his first game as head coach, that message provided a stark reminder that not all around Happy Valley are ready to embrace the legendary football coach.
With five touchdowns last week, Barkley is certainly the leader of the running back unit, entering the week averaging 18.0 points per game, which is tied for second in the nation.
The Big Ten Conference shouldn’t sit idly and silently as one of its member institutions acts in such a despicable manner, as it reflects on it as well.
Penn State had to settle for a field goal on the drive, and has since let Temple creep back into the game.
“Before that he was kind of like, ‘I’ve got to get something going, ‘” McSorley said.
A key cog for the Penn State offense this year will be Saquon Barkley. “I know I haven’t put up insane stat numbers but I really don’t care because we’re still putting up 30-some points per game”. A 1-3 mark against in-state rivals Pittsburgh and Temple would have been unacceptable for Penn State fans restless for in-state success. I think PSU will win but it will be close.
0 – Sacks allowed by Penn State’s offensive line Saturday, one season after allowing 10 against the Owls.
“It’s hard to win on the road when you beat yourself in penalties, ” Temple coach Matt Rhule said. The Lions also were without cornerback Grant Haley and defensive end Evan Schwan. The Owls are still searching for playmakers after losing seven starters from that group.
Starting middle linebacker Jason Cabinda will likely miss his second-straight game with a right hand injury.
He pounded his fist on the turf near the 20-yard line, and once he had his helmet removed, the look on Nyeem Wartman-White’s face seemed to say it all as he stared to the sky, his lips pursed.
“We have depth at running back”, Franklin said. “We responded but we’ve just got to come out earlier and be ready to play earlier”. Hamilton has 10 catches out of the slot and has been an early go-to for Trace McSorley. Temple is a run-first team, and with Jahad Thomas out the run game is struggling, putting more pressure on Walker.
“We had a young man that was with us today, as a guest coach, named Josiah”, Franklin said.
But that laboring defense will continue to make Franklin fret. While the Owls will create some problems for the Nittany Lions, Penn State should have no trouble stopping that offense.
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Receiver Chris Godwin caught a 52-yard touchdown pass, Andre Robinson and McSorley added short touchdown runs and Tyler Davis kicked two field goals for Penn State.
