Temple football might have lost the battle, but we’re winning the war

Last Saturday our unbeaten,  21st ranked Temple Owls faced off against the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame who came into the game ranked ninth in the country. This match-up was the only game of the week taking place between two ranked opponents, which explained some serious buzz surrounding it.

On top of that, everyone’s favorite Saturday morning football show – ESPN’s College GameDay – announced they’d be coming as well, bringing their millions of viewers to Independence Hall and putting Temple Football in the brightest spotlight we’ve ever seen. Lincoln Financial Field was sold out with nearly 70,000 people in attendance, and thus, the stage was set.

Along with the overflowing excitement and pride that had precipitated throughout campus (and even throughout the city), there was one underlying thought in the heads of most Temple fans. Though most wouldn’t admit it, a lot of people were really hoping that Temple wouldn’t blow this opportunity. Students and faculty were having nightmares about the last time Temple went head-to-head with the Irish, a game which resulted in a 28-6 trouncing that demoralized players and fans alike, eventually leading to an abysmal 2-10 season in 2013.

However, the 2015 season has thankfully been nothing like that 2013 season, and this game would be no different.

The outcome of the game was the only thing that remained the same as Temple still came out on the losing side, but the progress in the Temple Football program in just the two short years was incredibly evident. Temple no longer looked like a JV team who was allowed to practice with the varsity squad. This time, the Owls proved that they are now in the same company as some of college football’s elite teams. The prayers had been answered: the Owls kept it competitive and close throughout- they even had a chance to win the game with less than 5 minutes left.

Despite the heartbreak that comes with losing such a close contest, everyone close to the team realized that something more important than winning a singular football game took place that night. The energy felt around campus and throughout Philly in the week leading up to the game was tangible. There was this sense of excitement in the air that lasted right up until the final seconds of the 4th quarter. Even though Temple lost, that energy hasn’t seemed to dissipate in the slightest. Instead, it has morphed into more of an anticipation of things to come for this school and its football team. People are looking ahead to the rest of the season – and beyond – with hopes of this program bringing more great experiences to the city of Philadelphia.

The short term outlook is after the loss is still quite promising. The Owls come into this week with a match-up at struggling 1-7 SMU, a team who has yet to get a win in conference play. They then go on to face USF, Memphis, and UConn. Aside from another tough challenge they’ll face when unbeaten Memphis comes to town, each of the remaining teams on their schedule has a record sitting at or below .500. Temple’s toughest test this season is already out of the way. If they can keep this pace up then not only is a bowl game in their future, but a relatively big one could be in store for them. This season has already been a special one, but the way things are looking right now means the best moments of this season are still ahead for TU.

What’s even better news for Owls fans is the fact that this success isn’t limited to this one season in particular. It’s no secret that exposure like the school got this past week can do wonders for program, and coach Matt Rhule – in his short time here – has positioned Temple Football for continued success. When television shows like the aforementioned GameDay and SportsCenter are doing features for your team, that makes the school look exceptional in the eyes of prospective athletes. It’s a cycle – success leads to more success – and when talented high school prospects see players like star linebacker Tyler Matakevich and breakout running back phenom Jahad Thomas excelling in this program it can help sway their decision. Recruitment should be easier now for coach Rhule than ever before.

So yes, the Owls lost on Saturday night, but their outstanding performance throughout the year (Saturday night included) means that the future is something that Temple fans can, and should be excited for. This season still has lots of great moments in store for Temple Football, and future seasons should see more of the same from the Owls.