Akron vs. Temple Short Report | Sep 2, 2023
Lincoln Financial Field
Philadelphia, PA
Sep 2, 2023
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Game Recap
The Temple Owls narrowly edged out the Akron Zips with a final score of 24-21 in a thrilling season opener that had fans on the edge of their seats. Akron's DJ Irons wasted no time, launching a 77-yard bomb to Lorenzo Lingard that put the Zips ahead 7-0 early in the first quarter. But E.J. Warner engineered a comeback for the Owls, throwing two critical touchdown passes and leading a pivotal drive that culminated in a 40-yard field goal by Camden Price just before halftime.
Despite Akron extending their lead to 21-10 by the second quarter, Temple's unyielding offense turned the tide in the fourth quarter. An exceptional defensive stand and a game-sealing interception by Tywan Francis in the final minutes fortified their narrow victory. Both teams displayed remarkable skill and potential, promising an intense and competitive season ahead.
Key Plays:
DJ Irons (Akron Zips)
DJ Irons connected with Lorenzo Lingard for a spectacular 77-yard touchdown pass, exploiting a weakness in Temple's secondary to give Akron an early 7-0 lead.
Quincy Patterson (Temple Owls)
Quincy Patterson bulldozed his way into the end zone on a 1-yard run, leveling the score at 7-7 and invigorating the Temple sideline.
Tahj Bullock (Akron Zips)
Tahj Bullock capitalized on a strong offensive line push to score a 2-yard rushing touchdown, extending Akron's lead to 14-7.
Myles Walker (Akron Zips)
Myles Walker caught a 14-yard touchdown pass from DJ Irons, exploiting a mismatch and pushing Akron's lead to 21-7.
Camden Price (Temple Owls)
Camden Price drilled a crucial 40-yard field goal, trimming Akron's lead to 21-10 and providing Temple with much-needed momentum heading into halftime.
Edward Saydee (Temple Owls)
Edward Saydee hauled in a 7-yard touchdown pass from E.J. Warner, though the failed conversion attempt kept Temple trailing at 21-16.
Edward Saydee (Temple Owls)
Saydee's 1-yard touchdown reception from Warner, followed by a successful two-point conversion, catapulted Temple to a 24-21 lead.
Tywan Francis (Temple Owls)
Tywan Francis intercepted DJ Irons' pass, securing Temple's lead and halting Akron's potential game-winning drive.
Standout Players:
E.J. Warner (Temple Owls, QB)
E.J. Warner's calm demeanor and precise passes, totaling 292 yards and 2 touchdowns, kept Temple's offense steadily marching down the field. His ability to lead the team in high-pressure moments was pivotal to their victory.
Edward Saydee (Temple Owls, RB)
Saydee showcased his versatility, scoring two crucial receiving touchdowns, including the game-winner, and amassing 37 yards on 5 receptions. His knack for finding openings and securing critical plays underscored his importance to the Owls' offense.
DJ Irons (Akron Zips, QB)
DJ Irons demonstrated his deep-throwing prowess with 205 passing yards and 2 touchdowns, but his late-game interception overshadowed an otherwise impressive performance.
Lorenzo Lingard (Akron Zips, RB)
Lingard was a dual-threat, with a 77-yard touchdown reception and 24 rushing yards, providing a dynamic spark for the Zips' offense.
Layton Jordan (Temple Owls, LB)
Jordan's pivotal sack in the fourth quarter was a momentum stopper for Akron, reinforcing Temple's defense when it mattered most.
Camden Price (Temple Owls, K)
Camden Price's precision under pressure with a critical 40-yard field goal before halftime kept Temple within striking distance and crucially contributed to the Owls' eventual comeback.
References:
Akron Zips vs. Temple Owls - Final Score - September 02, 2023 | FOX Sports
2023 MAC Football Week 1 Game Recap: Temple Owls 24, Akron Zips 21 - Hustle Belt
Temple University
Akron Zips vs. Temple Owls Box Score and Stats - September 02, 2023 | FOX Sports
Akron Zips vs. Temple Owls Live Score and Stats - September 2, 2023 Gametracker - CBSSports.com
University of Akron Athletics
Team
1
2
3
4
T
Akron Zips
7
14
0
0
21
Temple Owls
0
10
6
8
24
