Three Takeaways From Penn State’s 27-9 Win Against Temple
Tony Rojas #13 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates his interception with Jamison Patton #3 against the Temple Owls in the first half at Lincoln Financial Field on September 12, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 12: Tony Rojas #13 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates his interception with Jamison Patton #3 against the Temple Owls in the first half at Lincoln Financial Field on September 12, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images

1) Slow start

The early-game jitters we expected a week ago showed up on the road against Temple. Two early miscues, a missed field goal and a dropped touchdown pass by Chase Sowell, had Penn State wasted two red zone drives to start the game, leading to a closer-than-anticipated 10-3 first half.

They did settle down in the second half…

2) Running game a work in progress

Penn State looked slightly better on the ground in the first half of this one, but it’s still not the smooth operation we’re accustomed to as Penn State fans. On the Eagles field, James Peoples did his best Saquon Barkley impersonation by hurdling a dude for a first down run.

3) Mobile quarterbacks may be the team’s kryptonite

Again.

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