Temple returns home to Lincoln Financial Field on Oct. 15 to host Buffalo in its annual Homecoming game, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Lottery. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. The 2011 Temple Sports Hall of Fame Inductees will be introduced at halftime.
All-MACcess will carry live video streaming of the game. Live stats and video streaming will be available on the Temple Athletics website at www.OwlSports.com.
The Owls' radio broadcast will air on WPHT 1210 AM with Harry Donahue calling the play-by-play and Steve Joachim providing color analysis.
Under the direction of first-year head coach Steve Addazio, Temple stands 4-2 overall and 2-1 in MAC play after a 42-0 shutout at Ball State. The 2011 Temple squad returns 46 lettermen, including 13 starters. The Owls utilize a multiple offense and a 4-3 defense.
Junior RB Bernard Pierce (Ardmore, Pa.) leads all rushers with 692 yards and 15 touchdowns on 141 carries. Senior TE Evan Rodriguez (North Bergen, N.J.) is the top receiver with 281 yards and a touchdown on 19 receptions. Junior QB Mike Gerardi (Parsippany, N.J.) is 30-of-59 for 423 yards and three touchdowns, while senior QB Chester Stewart (Hanover, Md.) is 33-of-50 for 519 yards and two touchdowns. Senior LB Stephen Johnson (Norristown, Pa.) leads the defense with 52 tackles, including a team-best 33 solos, two break-ups, a sack, and a forced fumble.
In the national rankings, Temple ranks among the nation's Top 25 in nine categories, including No. 1 in kickoff returns (29.60), No. 7 in scoring defense (11.17), No. 8 in total defense (272.17), No. 9 in pass efficiency defense (103.18), No. 10 in sacks (3.00), and No. 11 in rushing offense (233.17). Individually, junior RB Bernard Pierce is No. 1 in the nation in rushing touchdowns (15), No. 2 in scoring (15.00 ppg), and No. 13 in rushing (115.33). Senior LB Tahir Whitehead (Newark, N.J.) is No. 9 in tackles for loss (1.67), while junior DB?Justin Gildea is No. 17 in interceptions (0.50). Junior RB Matt Brown (Baltimore, Md.) is No. 12 in kickoff returns (28.08) and No. 23 in punt returns (10.60). Over the last three seasons, Temple is 16-1 when Pierce carries the ball at least 18 times per game.
