Temple at Ohio Game Story

Ohio continued its late season surge with a 23-7 victory over Temple on a chilly Friday night at Peden Stadium.

The Bobcats (2-2, 3-3, 5-5) have won three of their last four, are still mathematically alive for the MAC East crown.

Ohio dominated the Owls, outgaining them 404-209, and holding Temple to just two rushing first downs. The Owls earned just 48 total rushing yards on 31 attempts, a result that reminded many of the way Ohio won games last year, when it won the East title.

Temple (2-3, 3-3, 3-6) was able to move the ball with hard, quick-hitting runs right at the heart of the Ohio defense early in the contest. Owl RB Jason Harper, who finished with 49 yards on 14 carries, had a couple nice runs on the first drive alone. But the Bobcat defense buckled down, and the Owls’ only points would come on a 42-yard pass play from QB Vaughn Charlton to Bruce Francis.

Ohio RB Kalvin McRae, one week after crossing the 4,000 career yard mark to become Ohio’s all-time leading rusher, led all ball carriers with 151 yards on 28 carries. McRae’s 30-yard scoring run at the 4:20 mark of the first half gave Ohio a 10-0 lead.

The Bobcats opened the scoring with a 47-yard field goal from Michael Braunstein to lead 3-0. The ex-Washington Huskie would miss his next two attempts, but bounced back to second half field goals from 43 and 19 yards to finish with 11 points. A 22-yard gallop by backup running back Vince Davidson with under a minute to play in the third was Ohio’s other score.

Temple appeared to have the game’s momentum heading into half, following Charlton’s touchdown toss. After the half, the Owls stiffed Ohio three and out to earn first and ten at their own 39. But one penalty, one short play and one sack later, Temple faced 4^th and 19 and was punting again. The Owls would gain -2 yards on just 10 third quarter plays. Their only third period first down came courtesy of an Ohio pass interference penalty.

Ohio starting QB Theo Scott left the game in the second half with an undisclosed injury, and replacement Brad Bower filled in admirably, recording 7 of 9 completions for 91 yards.

LaVon Brazill led Ohio pass catchers with 59 yards on 4 catches. Francid led all receivers with 101 yards on 8 catches and the touchdown.

Ohio plays Akron on Wednesday at the Rubber Bowl, while Temple tangles with Penn State in Philadelphia next Saturday.