[ Photography & Story by Rick Pettine ]
The Temple Owls football team kicked off their 2026 season with a commanding 38-14 victory over the Rhode Island Rams.
The Owls dominated on the ground, powered by running back Keveun Mason, who logged a career day with 158 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Under a dual-quarterback system rotating Jaxon Smolik and Ajani Sheppard, Temple jumped ahead early and steadily pulled away, capping off the game with 21 unanswered points to keep their historic undefeated streak against the Rams intact.
While Rhode Island found flashes of offense through quarterback Tyler Budge and receiver Marquis Buchanan—who hauled in 10 catches for 137 yards and a touchdown—it was Temple’s defense that slammed the door shut.
The Owls’ defensive secondary made history by returning two interceptions for touchdowns in a single game for the first time in program records. Jamarcus Pierre ignited the defense with a 35-yard pick-six in the first half, and Tyree Alualu sealed the 24-point routing with a spectacular 63-yard interception return in the fourth quarter, delivering a complete team win for Temple’s home opener.
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