The Temple Owls (1-0) kicked off the 2025 season on Saturday afternoon from Warren McGuirk Alumni Stadium against the University of Massachusetts Minutemen (0-1). It was the coaching debut of K.C. Keeler, who also coached Rowan University and the University of Delaware. He spent 10 seasons with Sam Houston State University.
Temple’s offense had 467 yards (276 yards passing, 191 yards rushing) and committed five times for 57 yards. Quarterback Evan Simon completed 19 of 25 passes (76%) for 248 yards, six touchdowns, and four carries for 42 yards.
Running back Jay Ducker had 19 carries for 128 yards. Tight end Peter Clarke made four catches for 85 yards and two touchdowns, while Terrez Worthy made three catches for 38 yards and one touchdown, Kajiya Hollawayne made one catch for 24 yards and one touchdown, and Ryder Kusch made three catches for 14 yards and two touchdowns. The defense made 61 tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks, six pass breakups, and one fumble recovery.
UMass’s offense had 302 yards (199 yards passing, 103 yards rushing) and committed five penalties for 32 yards. Quarterback Brandon Rose completed 23 of 38 passes (60.5%) for 193 yards and one interception.
Running back Rocko Griffin had 10 carries for 94 yards and one touchdown, while Jacquon Gibson led the receivers making 12 catches for 132 yards. The defense made 72 tackles, two tackles for loss, and two pass breakups.
Next Saturday, Temple hosts Howard at 2 pm on ESPN+.
