Temple coach K.C. Keeler is looking forward to the scene at Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday, especially with Penn State’s Blue Band coming to Philadelphia.
But if the Owls are going to have a shot at making things uncomfortable for the Nittany Lions, Keeler knows the challenge starts with Penn State’s defense and veteran quarterback Rocco Becht.
Temple, which is 1-0, hosts Penn State, also 1-0, in a game that Keeler said is close to selling out. The atmosphere, he said Monday, is part of what makes the matchup appealing.
“They’re bringing their band,” said Keeler on Monday, noting the game is close to selling out.
“It should be an amazing time between our amazing band and their band. Just the kind of atmosphere you love having.”
Penn State opened with a shutout of Marshall last Saturday at Beaver Stadium, holding the Thundering Herd to 147 total yards. That performance left a clear impression on Keeler.
“I watch Penn State, I’m really impressed with their defense.
“They are long, they are athletic, They have a lot of (players).
“They have five defensive ends that are all really good defensive players.”
Becht, meanwhile, is the other part of the problem for Temple. The Iowa State transfer is in his fifth season and threw for 271 yards with a career-high four touchdowns against Marshall.
“Their quarterback has played more games than any college quarterback in the country,” Keeler said.
“He’s just so confident and just such a steady player, and they methodically kind of wore the opponent down.”
In Other News...
Temple Heads To Penn State With One Problem Fans Will Notice
Temples trip to Penn State comes with a little more uncertainty than a normal September road test, starting up front where the Owls are already shorthanded. KC Keeler confirmed that starting left tackle Giakoby Hills will be out for six weeks, a significant blow to an offensive line that has to deal with one of the bigger fronts on the schedule.
The injury picture does not stop there, either. Starting tackle Kevin Terry and left guard Eric King are both game-time decisions, which leaves Temple waiting to see how much of its protection plan will be available by kickoff. The quarterback situation is still unsettled as well, with the Owls choosing between Jaxon Smolik and Ajani Sheppard for the starting job, adding another layer of uncertainty to a matchup that already looks demanding. [Read more 🡒]
Penn State Just Put Its Recruiting Board On Notice
Matt Campbells first game at Penn State doubled as a recruiting showcase, with multiple prospects from the 2027 through 2029 classes on hand. The guest list included current commits and a handful of targets the staff is still trying to bring into the fold, a reminder that big-game Saturdays in State College are as much about the future as the present.
Among the names in attendance were 5-star cornerback Nasir Richardson from the 2028 class and 4-star edge rusher DJ Dockery from the 2029 class, both the kind of young blue-chippers Penn State wants to keep circling. The staff also added to the board by extending an offer to 3-star defensive lineman McCoy Richardson, a prospect viewed as a possible flip from Wake Forest, leaving the rest of that recruiting picture to keep developing after the visit. [Read more 🡒]
DAnton Lynn Just Raised A Big Penn State Defense Question
Penn States secondary is already looking a little different as the season settles in, and DAnton Lynn made it clear why true freshman Josiah Zayas is getting first crack at cornerback. Lynn pointed to Zayas mental strength and steady development, a notable endorsement for a young player stepping into a demanding spot on a defense that is still sorting itself out.
Lynn also signaled that the scheme itself is going to keep evolving, with the staff planning to add complexity gradually rather than overload the group early. With Temple next on the road, he emphasized communication and preparation as the big keys, which leaves an obvious question hanging over the defense: how quickly can a young corner and a growing playbook handle the next test? [Read more 🡒]