Oklahoma wakes up in second half behind Sawchuk's 3 TDs
Oklahoma #27 Gavin Sawchuk is the sole bright spot in the offense as he breaks through three tackles before running in for his third touchdown of the day
August 31, 2024 | Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium | Norman, OK
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TEM (0-1) | 0 | 17 | 0 | 0 || 17
#14 OU (1-0) | 0 | 14 | 14 | 7 || 35
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In the first half, it was looking like Oklahoma on upset alert. To kick off the game, Oklahoma fumbled and lost the ball on their first kick return. Fortunately, Temple kicker Maddux Trujillo missed the FG attempt. Next drive for Oklahoma: three-and-out. Temple drove and...missed another field goal attempt. After that second attempt, it was clear to new Temple head coach Anderius Hawkins on what must be done: implement a house rule to sim all field goal attempts from now on. Clearly it is a skill issue, but field goals are so much more difficult in this game.
The Sooners were starting to pick up the pace with touchdowns from both running backs Sawchuk and Beebe, but two back-to-back interceptions (one of which was a pick six to cornerback Jaylen Lewis) from quarterback Jackson Arnold caused the Owls to come back into the game. At the end of the half, the Owls kicked a field goal to give them a 17-14 lead.
Unfortunately, Temple's luck was nowhere to be found in the second half. Gavin Sawchuk wrecked havoc on the Temple defense, rushing in for two more touchdowns and finishing the game with 173 yards on the ground. The game was sealed after Temple quarterback Forrest Brock threw a pick six to Oklahoma linebacker Kip Lewis late in the fourth quarter.
Despite the rough second half, Temple has seen a glimpse of their defensive potential in their new 4-3 scheme. The offense, on the other hand, needs some work. Brock threw for 4.8 yards per completion which was mostly on screens and short passes. The former JUCO transfer needs to step up if he wants to keep the starting job.
Temple Owls (0-1)
QB Forrest Brock: 21/36, 101 yards, 1 INT, 2 carries, 14 yards, 1 TD
HB Joquez Smith: 18 carries, 56 yards, 8 receptions, 51 yards
WR Zae Baines: 5 receptions, 22 yards
WR John Adams: 5 receptions, 19 yards
CB Jaylen Lewis: 15 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 INT, 1 TD
FS Javier Morton: 10 tackles, 1 forced fumble
CB Torey Richardson: 9 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 INT
OLB D.J. Woodbury Sr.: 5 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack
CB Ben Osueke: 2 tackles, 1 forced fumble
#14 Oklahoma Sooners (1-0)
QB Jackson Arnold: 15/25, 142 yards, 2 INT, 9 carries, 43 yards, 1 fumble
HB Gavin Sawchuk: 27 carries, 173 yards, 3 TD
HB Justin Beebe: 2 carries, 7 yards, 1 TD
WR Andrel Anthony: 5 receptions, 52 yards
MLB Danny Stutsman: 15 tackles
DE David Stone: 10 tackles, 4 TFL
OLB Kip Lewis: 6 tackles, 1 INT, 1 TD
DE Ethan Downs: 4 tackles, 3 TFL
Next Game: Navy
