Phila., Pa. (Sep. 20, 2014) --- Temple scored three touchdowns in the first nine minutes- two on special teams- and never looked back in a 59-0 win over Delaware State at Lincoln Financial Field this afternoon.
The major college Owls improved to 2-1 on the season, while the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Hornets fell to 0-4.
In addition to allowing two special teams touchdowns for the second straight game, the Hornets surrendered a defensive touchdown; and were plagued by four turnovers and a blocked punt.
“It was a tough day at the office,” said Delaware State head coach Kermit Blount. “I knew Temple would present a big challenge for us, and we were outplayed by a solid team. My job now is to keep our guys encouraged and prepare them for our conference opener (vs. Savannah State) next week.”
After getting one first down on the opening possession of the game, the Hornets were forced to punt from the DSU 36. Jeremiah McGeough's kick was blocked by the Temple's Samuel Benjamin. The ball was recovered by the Owls' Artrel Foster who ran 15 yards for the game's first score just three-minutes-11 seconds into the contest.
On Delaware State's next possession, Temple recovered a fumble at the DSU three-yard line as a result of miscommunication on the second down snap.
Two plays later, Kenneth Harper scored on a two-yard rush for Temple's second touchdown. Jim Cooper's extra point kick gave the Owls a 14-0 lead with 10:19 left in the opening quarter.
Delaware State's third possession stalled at the DSU 44. McGeough's punt was fielded by Temple's Khalif Herbin at the TU 16. Herbin ran left and was untouched along the sideline en route to an 84-yard touchdown on the return.
It was Temple's second special teams touchdown of the game, and fourth allowed by the Hornets in the last two contests.
Temple's Jamie Gilmore capped off a nine-play, 54-yard drive that began after a DSU interception with a four-yard touchdown run to give the Owls a 28-0 lead with 2:57 left in the first quarter.
On the second play of the second quarter, Temple quarterback P.J. Walker connected with Jalen Fitzpatrick on a 31-yard touchdown pass to give the Owls a 35-0 lead.
Temple's defense got in on the scoring act when Sharif Finch returned an interception by Delaware State quarterback Gilbert Rivera 65 yards for a touchdown with 10:45 to go in the second quarter.
The Owls opened up a 49-0 lead on a five-yard Walker to Kenneth Harper touchdown pass with a minute left in the half.
Temple outscored the Hornets 10-0 in the final 30 minutes.
The Owls won the total yardage battle 351-to-93. Temple showed good balance on offense, passing for 179 yards and rushing for 172.
Delaware State netted just 26 yards rushing, while passing for 67 yards.
Rivera completed nine-of-19 passes for 56 yards; and was intercepted three times.
Marlon Kelly relieved Rivera in the third quarter. He connected on three-of-four passes for 11 yards. Kelly, a senior, was recruited by the Hornets as a quarterback, but has lined at wide receiver the last two seasons.
Freshman Marquel Knight (fr.; Frankford, Del./Indian River HS) had a game-high seven receptions (21 yards) for the Hornets. Milton Williams III had four catches for 39 yards.
Linebacker Alex Perry led the Hornets with seven tackles, including four solo stops.
J.R. Robinson and William Burton had interceptions for the Hornets, DSU's first two of the season. The pick was the fifth of Robinson's career.
The Hornets will look to rebound at home next Saturday (Sep. 27) against Savannah State in the 2014 MEAC opener. Game time is 6 p.m. at Alumni Stadium.
STINGERS
Delaware State grad Jamaal Jackson, a former member of the Philadelphia Eagles, addressed the Hornets in the locker room prior to the contest … this was the Hornets' first contest in a NFL stadium since a 34-14 win over Florida A&M at Detroit's Ford Field in 2006.
