Walker's struggles continue in Temple's loss to Penn State

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - As Matt Rhule walked past quarterback P.J. Walker after Temple's 30-13 loss to Penn State, the Owls coach, as he does with many of his players, put his arms around the beleaguered sophomore and gave him a firm hug.

Walker, who has struggled this season, had just finished arguably his worst performance of the season, and about 45 minutes after the game he was still wearing the agony on his face.

Hoping to get a win that would make his team bowl-eligible and earn the Owls (5-5) their first victory over Penn State since 1941, Walker threw four second-half interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown.

"I know I have to play better, stop rushing sometimes," Walker said. "The way I'm looking at it, we've got two weeks left in the season, and I have to get better."

On a second-and-7 play at the Temple 33, Penn State safety Adrian Amos jumped in front of a Walker pass and returned it 33 yards, setting up running back Bill Belton's 8-yard touchdown run for a 20-6 Nittany Lions lead.

Walker was picked off again in the third period, but the one that hurt most came early in the fourth quarter. With the Owls down by 20-13, and not long after he completed a 75-yard touchdown pass to Jalen Fitzpatrick (four catches, 113 yards), Walker threw the ball right to freshman cornerback Grant Haley. He had to watch helplessly as Haley returned the mistake 30 yards for a touchdown and a 27-13 lead with 13 minutes, 57 seconds left to play.

Facing the No. 3 defense in the country, Walker looked every bit the befuddled sophomore. He completed 17 of 38 passes for 187 yards. He repeated many mistakes he has made recently, and the offensive line had a difficult time protecting him.

Rhule scolded Walker, but when asked if he might change quarterbacks, Rhule was emphatic about sticking with Walker - just as he had been after he briefly removed Walker in favor of Connor Reilly against Central Florida last month.

"It's time for him to stop doing that now," Rhule said. "He's going to be a heck of a player, but he's got to stop doing that. These are the moments, and you can't just keep throwing the ball up there and making picks."

The Owls have their third bye week of the season this week. When they return to the field against Cincinnati on Nov. 29, Walker will be the starter.

"Yeah, he's just got to play through it, but I'm not going to make a change," Rhule said.

Walker said that he can't dwell on his problems. Rhule said that they are a combination of his mistakes and a young offensive line that has been a work in progress all season long.

Linebacker Tyler Matakevich said Walker still has the faith of the locker room.

"I have all the confidence in the world in P.J.," Matakevich said. "He's going to get through this. But it's not just him. We're a team, so you can't just blame one guy."