That is, thank you for delivering what four traditional national powers could not in their two big match-ups today: an exciting football game.
I mean, it was really, really exciting and I feel like I have to tell you this because it’s unlikely you saw it or were even able to have seen it.
The game was decided on a last-play heave to the end zone by Buffalo QB Drew Willy that came down into the arms of receiver Naaman Roosevelt, which is exciting enough, no doubt. Granted, it was only a 35-yard TD toss, which doesn’t really compare in distance to some of the more-memorable such moments in the game, but it was great nonetheless.
I had a feeling we were in for a good game when Temple first approached the end zone, starting a new series inside the one-yard line, but were stopped short of the goal on four consecutive plays.
Now, Temple head coach Al Golden might have considered something other than four runs right into the middle of the line, but it still takes some doing to stop an offense from managing less than three feet in four tries.
The first half saw five touchdowns after that, including the one Temple managed to take the seven-point lead into the locker room on a 59-yard drive in the last minute of the first half.
The second half saw a bit more defense, saving the offense for an explosive final three minutes.
The teams entered the fourth quarter tied at 21. After Temple missed a field goal attempt, the Bulls put together a solid 67-yard drive while milking over seven minutes from the clock, leading to a 25-yard field goal to take the lead and leaving Temple with 2:25 on the clock to start what would seem like a vital, final drive.
And boy did they respond.
Owl QB Adam Dimichele was fairly impressive all day, but never more than he was in the final minutes of the game. He drove his team calmly and confidently down the field, finishing with an 11-yard touchdown pass to TE Bruce Francis.
Even bigger, however, was a play on fourth down when the Owls were within range of a long field goal. Opting to attempt to convert rather than bank on the kicker being able to tie the game for them, Dimichele kept the ball on an option play and managed twelve yards.
On the ensuing kickoff, the ball went out of bounds, giving Buffalo a little bit of hope, starting them out on their 40-yard line.
Willey took the field and completed but two passes, but they were two big passes. One went for 20 yards and the other is going to be remembered at Buffalo for a long time.
I would say that I feel sorry for the people who left the University of Buffalo stadium after Temple’s TD and missed it, but that’s what you get for trying to sneak out to beat traffic. It’s a harsh lesson to have learned, as you missed a once-in-a-lifetime kind of finish.
I do, however, feel sorry for anyone who had the chance to catch this game and instead banked their TV football time for either of the big games later in the day. I can’t blame you as Temple v Buffalo doesn’t really sound like must-see TV.
Oh, but it was.
1 Comment
October 18, 2008 at 1:15 pm
LOL at not being able to get three feet in 4 try’s