Temple QB Logan Marchi feeling more mobile

Temple quarterback Logan Marchi could become a more significant factor in the running game. It's an area that could use a boost in the worst way.

Through two games, the 1-1 Owls are averaging 2.6 yards per carry. They averaged 2.3 yards in the opening 49-16 loss at Notre Dame and 2.9 in Saturday's 16-13 win over Villanova.

Marchi is known for his scrambling ability, but he has just five rushing attempts and four of them are sacks.

It turns out that he has been banged up but is getting better, according to offensive coordinator Dave Patenaude.

"He had a bad ankle coming out of camp, he is more agile, doing more things, running around and making plays," Patenaude said as the Owls prepared to host Massachusetts (0-3) on Friday at Lincoln Financial Field. "You haven't seen the true Logan Marchi because a big piece of his game is running around and making plays, break-the-pocket type of kid, and he is feeling a lot better, his ankle is feeling a lot better, and you will see it in his game a little bit more."

It will take more than Marchi's increased mobility to improve the run game. Junior Ryquell Armstead, who last season averaged 5.9 yards per carry in rushing for 919 yards and 14 touchdowns, has rushed for 86 yards and is averaging 2.8 yards per carry.

David Hood started instead of Armstead against Villanova. Temple coach Geoff Collins said Armstead didn't start because he wasn't able to practice regularly last week. Armstead, the junior from Millville, rushed for 19 yards on 12 carries against the Wildcats.

"I was a little banged up after Week 1, and I feel great now," Armstead said after Tuesday's practice.

Both Patenaude and Armstead said that Temple has been facing nine-man fronts, which dares teams to pass. In two games, Marchi has thrown for 519 yards and two touchdowns.

"They're loading the box, playing the run and opening the passing game," Armstead said. "It's been great with Logan throwing for 250 yards a game, you can't be selfish, I can stay in to block."

Still, that isn't why Armstead is out there. He knows even with nine-man fronts, he expects more of himself.

"I have to be more patient, trust my keys and reads and obviously, it is not where I want to be, but I will get there," Armstead said.

In fairness to Armstead and the backs, the Temple offensive line hasn't exactly been blowing people off the ball.

"I think we missed a couple of assignments and have to get a little more cohesive on offense and clean things up," tackle Leon Johnson said.

Temple will be facing a UMass team that has had difficulty against the run. The Minutemen are allowing 210 yards per game on the ground and 4.8 yards per carry.

"We want to establish the run every game," Johnson said. "That is how we open up our offense, we spread people out, and this game we want to clean it up."