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Owls treat scrimmage like real game situation; Finch given tough-guy number

Even though it was a team scrimmage, Temple stayed overnight in a hotel, simulating game-day preparations.

Temple’s Isaiah Wright reaches for a ball in the end zone as Temple University football holds a scrimmage at Franklin Field in Philadelphia, PA on Saturday.
Temple’s Isaiah Wright reaches for a ball in the end zone as Temple University football holds a scrimmage at Franklin Field in Philadelphia, PA on Saturday.Read moreDAVID MAIALETTI / Staff Photographer

Temple's football team prepared for Saturday's team scrimmage at Franklin Field as if it were a real game. The team stayed at a hotel the night before and went through their normal pre-game procedures two weeks before their Sept. 2 opener at Notre Dame.

"Our young guys who never made at trip for us, they were there and got to go through the whole process," coach Geoff Collins said.

Even the older players felt it was beneficial going through the entire pre-game drill.

"It felt just like a game, we did everything we do for a game," said junior Delvon Randall, a returning starter. "We prepared and it was installed our head so by the time the season starts, we will come into the game and be ready."

Another single digit player

The latest single digit player for Temple is redshirt senior defensive end Sharif Finch, who will be wearing No. 6 after previously having No. 56. Temple awards single digit numbers to players who demonstrate toughness and a commitment to the program.

"It was an honor," said Finch, who appeared in four games last season but received a medical redshirt due chronic knee injuries. "It is great wearing the single digit."

Finch mentioned that players such as 1986 Heisman Trophy runner-up Paul Palmer wore the No. 6.

"It is great to carry out the legacy and be honored as one of the nine toughest guys on the team," he said.

Notes: Play of the day (from the ones the media saw) was a one-handed 21-yard touchdown catch by redshirt freshman receiver Freddie Johnson, who hauled in Logan Marchi's pass in the end zone…Punter Alex Starzyk, could be back with the team as early as Monday. Starzyk was the starter the previous three years but was suspended indefinitely in the spring and Collins said he would be returning…Redshirt junior Ventell Bryant, last year's leading receiver, remained out with an undisclosed injury. Bryant, who had 54 receptions for 895 yards and four touchdowns, said last week that he expects to be back for the opener.