McManus Leads Charge Over CMU

Once again, sophomore kicker Brandon McManus continues to live the role of campus legend following his second consecutive game-winning field goal last night against MAC rival, Central Michigan.

"I like pressure," said McManus. "I like the fact that their coach called timeout. I think they think it's going to freeze the kicker. It didn't freeze me. I accepted the role."

But McManus didn't have nearly as good a game as he had in the opener against Villanova. He missed from 44 yards out in the first quarter and 38 yards away in the second quarter. But that never fazed him, and once again, he thrived off the pressure, and the rest is history.

Quarterback Chester Stewart didn't put up eye-popping numbers, but he did avoid the biggest mistake for quarterbacks, interceptions. He continued to be an efficient passer, 16-for-22 on his attempts, finishing with 151 yards.

His big play threat from last week's game, Michael Campbell, was nearly non-existent last night, only grabbing one ball for nine yards. However, Rod Streater caught two passes for 64 yards, including a 56 yard reception.

Temple's defense played the way they needed to, and that was with intensity and aggression. Key-ayre Griffin made the play of the night defensively when he picked of CMU's Ryan Radcliff in overtime, giving Temple with the ball and the chance to settle for a field goal. Radcliff finished the night with two interceptions, and CMU finished with three total turnovers.

However, Temple's one concern lies in the play of Bernard Pierce. Though, he scored the game's first touchdown on a four yard run, Pierce finished with a measly 57 yards on 10 carries. Teammate Matt Brown ended up earning more carries (16) then Pierce, but only averaged 3.0 yards per attempt.

Pierce and Brown both compiled a total of six receptions for 32 yards, with Pierce gaining 12 yards on one reception.

According to Philly.com, this is the first time since 1981 that the Temple football program has started 2-0, and have won seven consecutive home games for the first time since 1940.

Temple will get ready to host Connecticut next week at Lincoln Financial Field as they try to extend their home win streak and move to 3-0 before their trip to Happy Valley to take on the Nittany Lions of Penn State.