Temple hoping to get OT James McHale back this week

Temple offensive tackle James McHale, who missed the last two games because of an unspecified injury, might return for Saturday's game against East Carolina at Lincoln Financial Field.

"He did much more last night, and we are hoping to get him in the rotation," Temple coach Geoff Collins said Monday during the American Athletic Conference media call. "The thing that makes Jimmy more valuable is he can play every position on the line."

McHale, a graduate student, started the first two games at left tackle and the third game at right tackle.

The Owls (2-3, 1-0 AAC) are coming off a 45-35 loss Saturday at Boston College. ECU (2-2, 0-1) beat Old Dominion, 37-35, last week.

Collins said a return by the 6-foot-6, 295-pound McHale would give the offensive line some needed depth.

"We didn't have as much of a rotation Saturday against a great defensive line," Collins said. "I think our guys got worn down at the end."

Freshman Adam Klein has started both games in McHale's absence.

Collins also said he hopes it isn't a long-term injury situation with running back Jeremy Jennings and receiver Brodrick Yancy. Jennings missed his second straight game and Yancy missed his first against Boston College.

The second-year Temple coach was asked why quarterback Frank Nutile, who lined up at running back on the first play of the game, wasn't seen afterward. Nutile had an unspecified injury that opened the door for Anthony Russo, who has started the last three games. Collins says Temple likes to open games with unique packages, such as that one with two quarterbacks on the field.

"Other things were working so well that we never got back to that package," Collins said.

In news that was no surprise, running back Ryquell Armstead was named to the AAC honor roll after his performance against Boston College, when he rushed for 171 yards and four touchdowns on 24 carries. Armstead has surpassed the 100-yard rushing mark in four consecutive games.