Receiver makes smooth move to running back
During the week Temple coach Matt Rhule said he would work freshman Isaiah Wright into the rotation after not playing him against Army. Of all the newcomers, Wright has drawn the most raves from Rhule since the preseason.
During the week Temple coach Matt Rhule said he would work freshman Isaiah Wright into the rotation after not playing him against Army. Of all the newcomers, Wright has drawn the most raves from Rhule since the preseason.
Wright was recruited as a receiver, but with Jahad Thomas missing his second straight game with a dislocated thumb, Wright played running back, rushing for 42 yards on seven carries in the 38-0 win over Stony Brook on Saturday at Lincoln Financial Field.
"Isaiah Wright is a true freshman and he has learned everything," Rhule said. "He hasn't learned everything great, he has a ways to go in the protections and all of that, but he's a good football guy."
Wright said it's a process.
"I am still getting acclimated [to running back], but I am very comfortable with it now," Wright said.
Stat of the game
Stony Brook was 0 for 13 on third-down conversions, but 2 of 4 on fourth- down conversions.
"They played a lot of man coverage, in our face with a lot of guys in the box and they said throw the ball, and it won the game," said Stony Brook coach Chuck Priore, whose quarerbacks were 8 of 20 for 84 yards and three interceptions.
First interception
Sophomore safety Delvon Randall, who appeared in 13 games last season as a reserve, earned his first career interception.
"It felt good," Randall said. "It felt like I have been there before for some reason."
His last interception was as a senior at Gateway High in Monroeville, Pa.
Dealing with the heat
With the game-time temperature 93 degrees, Rhule wanted to use many more players. He got them ready for the game with some difficult practices.
"This week we challenged them, we live-scrimmaged on Monday," Rhule said. ". . . We threw the kids out there and wanted to see how they would play, especially in this heat."
Other injuries
Tight end Colin Thompson and defensive end Jacob Martin missed their first game with injuries.
As for being available this week against Penn State, Rhule said, "Jacob Martin, maybe this week. Colin Thompson, maybe. I doubt it."
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