Coastal Carolina vs. Temple Short Report | Sep 14, 2024
Lincoln Financial Field
Philadelphia, PA
Sep 14, 2024
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Game Recap
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – The Temple Owls fell to the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers 28-20 in the Owls' home opener on Saturday afternoon, bringing Coastal to a 3-0 record for the season. The Chanticleers took command early, building an 18-point first-half lead, thanks to a 15-yard rushing touchdown by Christian Washington and a 29-yard interception return for a touchdown by Xamarion Gordon.
Despite a resilient effort by Temple, led by quarterback Evan Simon, who passed for 185 yards and two touchdowns, the Chanticleers' balanced attack and stifling defense proved too much. Coastal running back Christian Washington added another five-yard touchdown run, and Ethan Vasko contributed both on the ground, with 92 rushing yards, and through the air, including an 8-yard scoring pass to Cameron Wright. Temple's defense had moments of brilliance, notably linebacker D.J. Woodbury's career-high 15 tackles, but the Owls were unable to bridge the gap, suffering their third consecutive loss.
Key Plays:
Christian Washington (Coastal Carolina Chanticleers)
Setting the tone early, Washington's 15-yard touchdown run capped off an 11-play, 63-yard drive, putting Coastal Carolina ahead with just over four minutes left in the first quarter.
Xamarion Gordon (Coastal Carolina Chanticleers)
Capitalizing on Deamontae Diggs' deflection near the line of scrimmage, Gordon intercepted Evan Simon and returned it 29 yards for a touchdown, giving Coastal Carolina a 14-0 lead not even a minute later.
Maddux Trujillo (Temple Owls)
Trujillo nailed a 54-yard field goal, putting Temple on the board late in the first quarter and cutting Coastal Carolina's lead to 14-3.
Cameron Wright (Coastal Carolina Chanticleers)
After a fumble recovery by Shane Bruce, Ethan Vasko found Wright in the end zone for an 8-yard touchdown, stretching the lead to 21-3 in the second quarter.
John Adams (Temple Owls)
Simon connected with Adams for a 15-yard touchdown pass, narrowing the deficit to 21-10 just before halftime.
Dante Wright (Temple Owls)
Temple's offensive momentum continued with Wright catching a 2-yard touchdown pass from Simon, pulling the Owls within 4 points early in the third quarter.
Christian Washington (Coastal Carolina Chanticleers)
Washington capped off a 13-play, 75-yard drive with a 5-yard touchdown run, regaining a comfortable 28-17 lead for the Chanticleers.
Maddux Trujillo (Temple Owls)
Trujillo's 37-yard field goal made it 28-20, keeping Temple within one possession early in the fourth quarter.
Deamontae Diggs (Coastal Carolina Chanticleers)
With under a minute left, Diggs delivered a crucial sack, bringing up third-and-16 and helping seal the victory for Coastal Carolina.
Standout Players:
Evan Simon (Temple Owls, QB)
Passed for 185 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing resilience despite a rocky start. His leadership brought the Owls back into contention, highlighting his ability to overcome adversity.
Christian Washington (Coastal Carolina Chanticleers, RB)
Scored two critical rushing touchdowns, including a 15-yard run that set the tone and a 5-yard score to secure the win. He consistently drove the Chanticleers' offense with his 59 rushing yards.
Dante Wright (Temple Owls, WR)
Gathered 9 receptions for 99 yards and a pivotal touchdown. His performance was a bright spot for Temple, providing a reliable target for Simon throughout the game.
Xamarion Gordon (Coastal Carolina Chanticleers, S)
Returned an interception for a 29-yard touchdown, significantly boosting Coastal Carolina's early lead. His defensive play was crucial in establishing momentum for the Chanticleers.
Maddux Trujillo (Temple Owls, K)
Made field goals of 54 and 37 yards and added two extra points, contributing 8 points to Temple's efforts. His kicking provided stability and kept Temple within striking distance.
D.J. Woodbury (Temple Owls, LB)
Recorded a career-high 15 tackles, demonstrating his dominance and relentless effort. His performance was a defining element of Temple's defensive strategy.
Deamontae Diggs (Coastal Carolina Chanticleers, DL)
Aided the defense with six tackles, a crucial sack, and a game-changing pass deflection that led to a pick-six. His all-around effort was vital in sealing the game.
References:
Team
1
2
3
4
T
Coastal Carolina Chanticleers
14
7
7
0
28
Temple Owls
3
7
7
3
20