Will the Owls beat the Nittany Lions today?
‘F Penn State’
Today at 12 p.m. the Temple Owls will face the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. This game has been long awaited by students since last year when we played PSU at the Lincoln Financial Field.
There is no doubt that the Temple Owls are excited about this game. After each football game the subway is filled with students chanting “F Penn State,” even if the game had nothing to do with them. There are signs around campus and shirts being made that show student’s hatred towards their rival state school, Penn State.
Last year we were predicted to lose the PSU game but ended up winning with a score of 27-10. This was the first time the Owls defeated the Nittany Lions in 74 years. Some say that this game was the turning point for Temple football. The Owls had a record breaking season last year as they went 10-4, giving the Temple community something to cheer for.
The Owls started off their 2016 season with a loss against Army. But last week they gained their momentum back by shutting out Stony Brook 38-0. That’s what they needed before the long-awaited game this week.
Penn State is favored and also have a home crowd, so the question arises if Temple is going to surprise everyone and come through with an upset. We asked a few Temple students if they have faith in the Owls up at Beaver Stadium today.
Jeremy Bell, 19, Human Resource Management
“I think we have a lot better chance then people think. We are getting our star running back, Jahad Thomas, back in this week and Penn State’s run defense is very weak this year. We are also straight off of our first win of the season and Penn State is coming off their loss to Pitt who is really not great, like usual. The Penn State defense gave up I think around 420 rushing yards and with our run game I believe we should be able to score pretty easily. Our defense is now in full swing and has some experience to shut down PSU.”
Alexa Ross, 20, Journalism
“I have faith. It’s going to be a close game for sure, but Coach Rhule has prepared them for anything and everything.”
Ryan Michener, 20, Finance
“Yes I have faith in our team. I really do believe in the terms of ‘Temple Tough’ and greatness doesn’t quit. I think this is a major test for the team’s resilience. I think we can definitely win, however, we will have to outwork our opponents and fight the adversity of being the away team. Jahad Thomas and PJ Walker will be the difference makers of the game.”
Jimmy Piroli, 20, Media Studies and Production
“This is no easy game. It’s going to be tough to redo what was done last year for the Owls. If they can get a lead early they have a chance but if they let PSU get up early it could get ugly.”
Carli Showmaker, 19, Media Studies and Production/ Advertising
“I have a lot of faith in Temple this weekend. I think that with all of the Temple fans there cheering them on, their morality will stay high, they’ll play as hard as they can, and it’ll be a great game.
Michael Rubinstein, 19, Finance
“I do have faith in Temple this weekend and think they have a high chance of winning.”
Claire Dabney, 19, Advertising
“I have faith in Temple but I’m sure Penn State is gonna play a good game since they don’t want to lose again. Temple just needs to play an even better game and if they do that then we will win.”