I've finally had time to soak in Temple's victory over Penn State. It was the 4th in the series that I have attended, and 6th that I have watched. I was optimistic like I always am, but had tempered expectations. As a Temple fan, I've been humbled many, many times. Whether it was losing to Fordham on a Hail Mary touchdown, getting robbed at UCONN on a bad call, standing in 30 degree weather in the pouring rain watching the Owls get burned by Ohio U with maybe just 200 other fans. I'll bring Temple basketball into the mix. Over the last 5 NCAA appearances, I've witnessed 3 first round exits, and two losses in the final minute to deny advances to the Sweet 16. As a Temple fan, you become numb to the agony and heartbreak, and the jokes and laughter about the football program, or the cracks about "One and Dunphy". So as a Temple fan you show your support because it's your school, and you're prouder of your education and work ethic than anything else, but you're hopeful about the future knowing that the best days still lie ahead. We may not have a bumper sticker on every car, glory days to remember, or the most color coordinated fan base. We just take pride in knowing we're 'Temple Made'. Tough. Gritty. Relentless. Blue collar. Philly Proud. We know we're building something special, and that it takes time.
Coach Matt Rhule was right. This win wasn't about Penn State - it was about the Temple community, and those Owls that have come before us. Those that have longed to have a seat at the big kids table. Those who believe we are a sleeping giant, yet to be awakened. Those who love their school, and believe in success with honor as much as their Central PA neighbors. It was our day. It was Temple's day. We were due!
There is still work to be done. If this was about Penn State, we might as well end our season now. Let's not play another game. However, we will carry on because this is about Temple! This is about Temple, 10 seasons from now. In the era of athletics conference realignment, Temple cannot afford to leave any doubts. We're here, we're heavily invested, and we're serious about winning.
Detractors, "experts", and media talking heads might say we won because PSU just played terribly, their coaches are bad strategists, or Hackenberg isn't any good. It could all be true, but MAYBE, just maybe, we are pretty darn good, and we are awakening, able to compete at higher levels. I know one thing is for sure: for 3 hrs on that day, we were better. We DOMINA"]["ED !
