Temple head coach Matt Rhule made his weekly appearance Monday on the American Athletic Conference’s coaches teleconference to talk about the Owls’ 45-20 win over Southern Methodist last Saturday at Lincoln Financial Field and the upcoming matchup with Memphis Thursday night.
Reddick, Armstead win weekly honors
Senior defensive end Haason Reddick was named AAC Defensive Player of the Week following his two-sack performance against SMU.
Reddick, a former walk-on that came to Temple as a running back and defensive back, also added four total tackles and two forced fumbles in the win.
“I'm really excited for him," Rhule said of Reddick. "I thought he was a true competitor in that game, despite the fact that he had a couple sacks that he was a couple inches away from or second away from. He really played a complete football game and I'm very happy for him and proud of him."
Reddick leads the AAC in tackles for a loss with seven in five games.
Sophomore running back Ryquell Armstead was also named to the AAC’s Weekly Honor Roll.
Armstead racked up 159 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries (10.6 yards per carry).
Talking about the offensive line
Rhule touched on the play of Temple's offensive line performance against SMU.
The Owls ran for 244 yards on 54 carries (5.4 yards per carry) and only allowed two sacks.
"I think the offensive line is getting better and better," Rhule said. "We're playing (Matt) Hennessy, who's a true freshman. At times, we're playing Jovahn (Fair), who's a redshirt freshman. Sully (Adrian Sullivan) is in his first action. I think they're getting better and better. Jaelin Robinson has given us some meaningful snaps and he's playing well."
"Any time we can run for 240 yards out of the I-formation - not in the spread - it's a real win in modern football. Those guys are coming along. They're getting a lot better."
In the same breath, Rhule also said the tight ends had a strong showing as well.
"Cole Boozer, who sort of plays the offensive line and tight end, and Colin Thompson were the unsung heroes, in my opinion, of this game," Rhule said.
Injury updates
Rhule said junior safety Sean Chandler will not play this week against Memphis. He was not willing to provide a further update.
Chandler went down with an injury during Temple’s blowout win over Charlotte.
Rhule said following the win against Charlotte that Chandler could be out for three weeks or the entire season.
Senior Nate L. Smith will continue to start in Chandler’s place, while true freshman Benny Walls and redshirt sophomore Jyquis Thomas are also expected to see snaps.
Redshirt senior linebacker Stephaun Marshall suffered an injury against SMU, according to Rhule.
Rhule said he does not know if Marshall will be available to play vs. Memphis.
Redshirt senior linebacker Avery Williams, who was in a walking boot last week but managed to play in a limited role vs. SMU, will play against Memphis, Rhule said.
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Here's the link to the full audio of Rhule:
Reddick, Armstead win weekly honors
Senior defensive end Haason Reddick was named AAC Defensive Player of the Week following his two-sack performance against SMU.
Reddick, a former walk-on that came to Temple as a running back and defensive back, also added four total tackles and two forced fumbles in the win.
“I'm really excited for him," Rhule said of Reddick. "I thought he was a true competitor in that game, despite the fact that he had a couple sacks that he was a couple inches away from or second away from. He really played a complete football game and I'm very happy for him and proud of him."
Reddick leads the AAC in tackles for a loss with seven in five games.
Sophomore running back Ryquell Armstead was also named to the AAC’s Weekly Honor Roll.
Armstead racked up 159 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries (10.6 yards per carry).
Talking about the offensive line
Rhule touched on the play of Temple's offensive line performance against SMU.
The Owls ran for 244 yards on 54 carries (5.4 yards per carry) and only allowed two sacks.
"I think the offensive line is getting better and better," Rhule said. "We're playing (Matt) Hennessy, who's a true freshman. At times, we're playing Jovahn (Fair), who's a redshirt freshman. Sully (Adrian Sullivan) is in his first action. I think they're getting better and better. Jaelin Robinson has given us some meaningful snaps and he's playing well."
"Any time we can run for 240 yards out of the I-formation - not in the spread - it's a real win in modern football. Those guys are coming along. They're getting a lot better."
In the same breath, Rhule also said the tight ends had a strong showing as well.
"Cole Boozer, who sort of plays the offensive line and tight end, and Colin Thompson were the unsung heroes, in my opinion, of this game," Rhule said.
Injury updates
Rhule said junior safety Sean Chandler will not play this week against Memphis. He was not willing to provide a further update.
Chandler went down with an injury during Temple’s blowout win over Charlotte.
Rhule said following the win against Charlotte that Chandler could be out for three weeks or the entire season.
Senior Nate L. Smith will continue to start in Chandler’s place, while true freshman Benny Walls and redshirt sophomore Jyquis Thomas are also expected to see snaps.
Redshirt senior linebacker Stephaun Marshall suffered an injury against SMU, according to Rhule.
Rhule said he does not know if Marshall will be available to play vs. Memphis.
Redshirt senior linebacker Avery Williams, who was in a walking boot last week but managed to play in a limited role vs. SMU, will play against Memphis, Rhule said.
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Here's the link to the full audio of Rhule:
