Temple Notes: More touchdowns from special teams and defense

When Samuel Benjamin blocked a Delaware State punt and Artrel Foster took the ball 15 yards into the end zone with 11 minutes, 49 seconds left in the first quarter, it marked the fourth consecutive game, dating back to last season, in which Temple's defense or special teams scored a touchdown.

Defensive end Sharif Finch, who recovered a fumble for a touchdown two weeks ago against Navy, scored in the second quarter vs. Delaware State when he intercepted quarterback Gilbert Rivera and returned it 65 yards.

Earlier in the first quarter, wide receiver Khalif Herbin returned a punt 84 yards, the longest Temple punt return for a score since Richard Drayton returned one 95 yards in 1990 against Austin Peay.

"It definitely has a huge impact, and it boosts everybody's confidence to make plays" Finch said. "We're taking a little bit of the pressure off of the offense scoring on defense and special teams, so it makes it a lot easier for [quarterback] P.J. [Walker] and the guys to go out and do their job."

Perhaps the most painful loss Temple experienced last season was blowing a 21-0 lead against Connecticut - the Owls' opponent next week - and losing by 28-21.

"That's always in the back of our minds," said linebacker Tyler Matakevich, a Stratford, Conn., native. "One of the biggest things we focused on was finishing. We were up, 21-0, at the half, and they came back and won, 28-21. So it's a really significant game for us because of what happened and because it's the first conference game for us."

When the NCAA releases its updated team statistics, look for the Owls to be at or near the top of the pass defense rankings. In their games against Vanderbilt, Navy, and Delaware State, the Owls have allowed an average of 107 passing yards per game.

The Taney Dragons, the Philadelphia Little League team that reached the World Series last month, was recognized during the game for their achievements. At the end of the game, Temple coach Matt Rhule wanted his players to make contact with the Dragons, so Taney high-fived the Owls as they left the field.

Rhule presented the game ball to assistant head coach Ed Foley. Foley's father lost his battle against leukemia this week.