It is always good to have a playmaker in the backfield. The Temple Owls have one with running back Matt Brown, who is capable of making a big play at any time. Brown put on a great performance in Temple’s 41-10 victory over Villanova in last week’s Mayor’s Cup.
He had 19 carries for 145 yards, including a 56-yard touchdown run. Brown should be a key player again when Temple (1-0) hosts Maryland (1-0) on Saturday, Sept. 8 at Lincoln Financial Field. The kickoff will be at noon.
Chris Coyer, Temple quarterback, will be able to hand the ball off to one of the Big East Conference’s smallest, but most explosive rushers. The 5-foot-5, 165-pound senior, is off to a great start.
“He’s a tough guy,” Coyer said. He’s one of the most fierce competitors I’ve ever had the pleasure of playing with. So, I’m really excited about the way he’s playing. It’s his versatility, his energy and leadership on the field. He leads by example and plays hard on every snap.”
Brown is one of four players named to the Paul Hornung Weekly Honor Roll. He leads the Big East in rushing, and recorded the 10th 100-yard performance of his career in the win over Villanova. He had a career-high four punt returns for a career-high 84 yards, including a 45-yard best in the fourth quarter. He also returned three kickoffs for 41 yards.
Brown is No. 3 in all-purpose running (270.00), No. 9 in punt returns (21.00) and No. 14 in rushing (145.00). Temple has 12 players on its roster from Maryland. Brown grew up in Baltimore. This is a big game for him.
A year ago, Temple defeated Maryland, 38-17 at Byrd Stadium. Bernard Pierce, who is a rookie running back for the Baltimore Ravens, had a big game for the Owls in that win. Pierce had 32 rushes for 149 yards while scoring four touchdowns. Brown wasn’t too shabby in that contest either. He had 12 carries for 75 yards. Maryland got its first win last week with a 7-6 victory over William & Mary. The game will be televised on ESPNU.
Contact staff writer Donald Hunt at (215) 893-5719 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
