Matakevich closing in on 400 tackles
Temple linebacker Tyler Matakevich is on the verge of a milestone but says he hasn't dwelled on it much. With 392 career tackles, Matakevich could become the third player in school history to record 400.
Temple linebacker Tyler Matakevich is on the verge of a milestone but says he hasn't dwelled on it much. With 392 career tackles, Matakevich could become the third player in school history to record 400.
The leader is Steve Conjar, who had 492 from 1978-81, followed by Lance Johnstone, who recorded 429 from 1992-95.
Matakevich could reach 400 Saturday in the American Athletic Conference game against Tulane (2-2) at Lincoln Financial Field. "No, I don't even think about it," he said Tuesday after practice.
Matakevich has other concerns even though the 4-0 Owls are allowing 15.5 points per game, which ranks 16th nationally.
"Unfortunately, we have been giving up big plays and I have been giving up big plays and that is one thing that needs to change," he said. "It's one thing I have been focusing on this week."
After three straight road wins, Temple returns home for the first time since its 27-10 win over Penn State on Sept. 5. Saturday will be homecoming.
"It's a credit to the seniors with the way they conduct themselves that we can go on the road and find ways to win, but we are really excited to come back and play a home game, a conference game, and enjoy homecoming," coach Matt Rhule said.
Extra points
Rhule said reserve running back Jager Gardner hurt his shoulder. His availability is uncertain. . . . Tulane sophomore Tanner Lee threw a career-high four touchdown passes last week in a 45-31 win over Central Florida.