Sept. 16, 2016
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State Football has returned home from the road, now set for a Saturday "Stripe Out" matchup against Temple.
The Nittany Lions (1-1) wrap up the 2016 non-conference slate taking on the Owls (1-1) for the 45th time in Beaver Stadium, while also entering the outing with a perfect 24-0-1 record against Temple at home.
Penn State fell short at Pitt last week, falling in its first loss of the 2016 campaign, 42-39, on the road at Heinz Field.
"Obviously, we needed to play better, especially early in the game, and offensively, we have to secure the ball," head coach James Franklin said, reflecting on the loss earlier this week.
The Nittany Lions did receive some positive performances on the offensive side of the ball. Quarterback Trace McSorley threw for 332 yards, while running back Saquon Barkley recorded five touchdowns. Sophomore DeAndre Thompkins also stepped up to lead the team with 87 yards on three catches, while veteran receiver DaeSean Hamilton tallied eight catches for 82 yards.
Despite dealing with some unexpected adjustments on the defensive line, defensive end Torrence Brown forced his first career fumble in the fourth quarter, finishing with a career-high six tackles, including 2.0 TFLs.
Sophomore John Reid highlighted Penn State's special teams play with a career-long 59-yard punt return in the first quarter. True freshman Miles Sanders also stood out with a 33-yard kickoff return in the third quarter.
Led by Penn State alum and State College native Matt Rhule, Temple enters the week fresh off of a 38-0 shutout against Stony Brook (FCS), having dropped its season opener in a 28-13 loss to Army West Point.
The Nittany Lions and the Owls have met in each of the last two consecutive seasons, with Penn State claiming a 30-13 win in the most recent outing at Beaver Stadium in 2014.
The last four games between Penn State and Temple have also been decided fewer than 17 points at an average of 12.3 points per game within the stretch.
"This game has become more and more competitive," Franklin said. "Obviously, the Temple football program has improved dramatically over the last 10 years, not only with Coach Rhule, who is doing a great job, but Coach Addazio did a great job there as well, and Coach Golden really got it started there as well."
The second annual Penn State "Stripe Out" will also take place Saturday. Fans will have the opportunity to find out if their seating location calls for blue or white attire. Fans can the website PennStateStripeOut.com to enter their second and find out which color to wear to the Stripe Out.
"We are excited about, this week, being back in Beaver Stadium and the Stripe Out, which last year I thought went extremely well," Franklin said. "Tremendous environment."
Welcome to our week three gameday preview - Penn State vs. Temple.
Full preview HERE.