Saturday afternoon, I’ll be sitting in the first row of the end zone at Lincoln Financial Field as the Temple Owls take on the UAB Blazers. Close enough to hear the pads cracking and probably yell a few things the officials won’t appreciate. But, I’m hoping to see something else; Temple actually putting together four quarters of football.
The Owls come into Saturday at 2–7, having lost four straight. Last week against Navy, they battled back from a 28-point deficit to tie the game, only to lose 42–35. Great comeback, but here’s an idea: How about not digging a hole the size of the Grand Canyon in the first place?
One player I’ll be watching is JoJo Bermudez. After piling up 159 punt-return yards against Navy, including a 78-yard touchdown, he’s just 10 yards away from breaking Temple’s single-season punt-return record. That’s a record that’s stood since 1982. The kid has a chance to make some history.
UAB comes into Philly at 5–4, needing one more victory for bowl eligibility. The Blazers have one of the nation’s toughest passing defenses, allowing just 122.6 yards per game. But here’s the funny part: They’re 5–0 at home and 0–4 on the road. Apparently, leaving Birmingham is like Superman walking into a room full of kryptonite.
Saturday is also Senior Day, with 23 Temple players being honored. These guys deserve to finish their home careers with something to smile about. And for head coach K.C. Keeler, these final games should be about showing improvement and building toward next season.
I’ll be hoping to see some Cherry and White touchdowns coming straight toward me instead of another opponent celebrating in my face.
The bottom line? UAB wants bowl eligibility. Temple needs some pride, momentum and a reason for its fans to believe better days are coming.
And please, for the love of everything holy, can we get through one Saturday without another moral victory?
Let’s go, Owls!
