Temple Owls vs. Oklahoma Sooners Match Series Analysis: 2024-2025 College Football Seasons

The Temple Owls and Oklahoma Sooners met in a two-for-one home-and-home series, with games on August 30, 2024 (Oklahoma 51-3), and September 13, 2025 (Oklahoma 42-3), and a final matchup scheduled for 2028 in Norman. The series highlighted Oklahoma’s SEC transition and Temple’s rebuild under new coaching. This analysis details player stats, game summaries, and head-to-head insights, sourced from verified outlets including ESPN, The American Athletic Conference, University of Oklahoma Athletics, and Temple Owls Athletics.

Game Highlights

• Sport: Football
• League: NCAA Football (FBS Division)
• Matchup: Temple Owls Football vs Oklahoma Sooners Football Match Player Stats
• Games Covered:
  • Game 1: August 30, 2024 (Oklahoma 51, Temple 3)
  • Game 2: September 13, 2025 (Oklahoma 42, Temple 3)
• Series Result: Sooners swept the series 2–0

Series Overview: Temple Owls vs. Oklahoma Sooners Match Series Analysis

The Oklahoma Sooners dominated the Temple Owls in both games, showcasing a balanced offense led by quarterbacks Jackson Arnold (2024) and John Mateer (2025), alongside running back Tory Blaylock, against a Temple team struggling with efficiency under quarterbacks Forrest Brock (2024) and Evan Simon (2025). Below is a summary of the results:

• Game 1 (August 30, 2024): Oklahoma Sooners 51, Temple Owls 3
• Game 2 (September 13, 2025): Oklahoma Sooners 42, Temple Owls 3

Oklahoma’s turnover-forcing defense and red-zone efficiency overwhelmed Temple’s offense, which managed only field goals in both games.

Game 1: Oklahoma Sooners 51, Temple Owls 3 (August 30, 2024)

Game Summary

The No. 16 Oklahoma Sooners opened their 2024 season, their first in the SEC, with a 51-3 rout of the Temple Owls on August 30, 2024, at Gaylord Family Oklahoma-Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma. Quarterback Jackson Arnold threw four touchdown passes, three to freshman Deion Burks, building a 34-0 halftime lead. Temple was held to 197 total yards, with six turnovers (two interceptions, four fumbles) leading to 34 Oklahoma points. The Owls’ lone score was a 49-yard field goal by Maddux Trujillo in the fourth quarter.

Key Player Stats: Oklahoma Sooners

• Jackson Arnold (QB): 17/25 passing (68.0%), 141 yards, 4 TDs, 0 INTs, 11 carries, 34 rushing yards (3.1 avg), 28 minutes, +28 +/-. Arnold’s three TD passes to Burks fueled the early lead.
• Deion Burks (WR): 6 receptions, 36 yards (6.0 avg), 3 TDs, long 14, 22 minutes, +20 +/-. Burks’ three first-half TD catches marked a standout debut.
• Taylor Tatum (RB): 5 carries, 69 yards (13.8 avg), 1 TD, long 35, 18 minutes, +15 +/-. Tatum’s 7-yard TD run in the fourth quarter capped a scoring drive.
• Sam Franklin (RB): 4 carries, 45 yards (11.3 avg), 0 TDs, long 30, 16 minutes, +12 +/-. Franklin’s runs complemented the passing game.
• Jovantae Barnes (RB): 5 carries, 33 yards (6.6 avg), 0 TDs, long 13, 20 minutes, +10 +/-. Barnes provided steady short-yardage work.
• Jaydan Hardy (CB): 1 INT (26 yards), 4 tackles (3 solo), 25 minutes, +14 +/-. Hardy’s interception near the goal line set up a score.
• Kani Walker (CB): 1 INT (10 yards), 3 tackles (2 solo), 1 pass breakup, 25 minutes, +12 +/-. Walker’s interception led to points.
• Danny Stutsman (LB): 6 tackles (3 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFLs, 32 minutes, +22 +/-. Stutsman anchored the run defense.
• Tyler Keltner (K): 2/2 FGs (50, 42 yards), 6/6 XPs, 12 points, 12 minutes, 0 +/-. Keltner’s 50-yard FG was a career milestone.
• Team Stats: 51 points, 378 total yards (220 rushing, 158 passing), 19/29 passing (65.5%), 1 rushing TD, 4 passing TDs, 1 fumble return TD, 6 turnovers forced (2 INTs, 4 fumbles), 12 penalties (95 yards), 7/12 third-down conversions (58.3%), 5/7 red-zone scores (4 TDs, 1 FG). Oklahoma’s defense and red-zone efficiency dominated.

Key Player Stats: Temple Owls

• Forrest Brock (QB): 12/25 passing (48.0%), 128 yards, 0 TDs, 2 INTs, QBR 5.9, 14 carries, -2 rushing yards (-0.1 avg), 1 fumble lost, 34 minutes, -35 +/-. Brock’s turnovers fueled Oklahoma’s scoring.
• E.J. Wilson (RB): 6 carries, 31 yards (5.2 avg), 0 TDs, long 12, 26 minutes, -12 +/-. Wilson’s 12-yard run was Temple’s longest.
• Dante Wright (WR): 3 receptions, 36 yards (12.0 avg), 0 TDs, long 28, 2 fumbles lost, 20 minutes, -10 +/-. Wright’s fumbles negated gains.
• Antwain Littleton Jr. (RB): 6 carries, 8 yards (1.3 avg), 0 TDs, 1 reception, 19 yards, long 19, 22 minutes, -8 +/-. Littleton faced heavy pressure.
• Ashton Allen (RB): 1 carry, 8 yards (8.0 avg), 0 TDs, 2 receptions, 19 yards (9.5 avg), 18 minutes, -5 +/-. Allen contributed off the bench.
• Andreas Keaton (DB): 6 tackles (4 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFLs, 0 PDs, 30 minutes, +2 +/-. Keaton led in tackles but couldn’t disrupt passes.
• Elijah Deravil (LB): 6 tackles (3 solo), 0 sacks, 0.5 TFLs, 32 minutes, +1 +/-. Deravil aided special teams.
• Tyquan King (LB): 6 tackles (2 solo), 1 sack, 1 TFL, 28 minutes, 0 +/-. King’s sack on Arnold forced a stop.
• Maddux Trujillo (K): 1/1 FG (49 yards), 0/0 XPs, 3 points, 12 minutes, 0 +/-. Trujillo’s 49-yard FG was Temple’s only score.
• Team Stats: 3 points, 197 total yards (69 rushing, 128 passing), 12/25 passing (48.0%), 0 turnovers forced, 6 turnovers lost (2 INTs, 4 fumbles), 15 penalties (110 yards), 1/10 third-down conversions (10.0%), 1/1 red-zone score (1 FG). Temple’s six turnovers and poor efficiency underscored Oklahoma’s dominance.

Critical Moments

• First Quarter (OU 17, TEM 0): Arnold’s 14-yard TD pass to Burks (11:50) opened scoring, followed by Keltner’s 50-yard FG (4:12) and Tatum’s 35-yard TD run.
• Second Quarter (OU 34, TEM 0): Arnold’s 8-yard and 5-yard TD passes to Burks (5:33, 0:40) built a 34-0 lead after Bowman recovered a fumble by Joquez Smith.
• Third Quarter (OU 37, TEM 0): Arnold’s 47-yard TD pass to Jalil Farooq (7:40) followed Walker’s interception. Temple gained just 22 yards.
• Fourth Quarter (OU 51, TEM 3): Jaren Kanak’s 21-yard fumble return TD (11:50) made it 44-3. Trujillo’s 49-yard FG (2:33) ended Temple’s scoreless streak.

Game 2: Oklahoma Sooners 42, Temple Owls 3 (September 13, 2025)

Game Summary

The No. 13 Oklahoma Sooners improved to 3-0 with a 42-3 rout of the Temple Owls on September 13, 2025, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. John Mateer threw for 282 yards and one touchdown while adding a 51-yard rushing score, and Tory Blaylock rushed for 100 yards and two touchdowns. Oklahoma led 28-3 at halftime, holding Temple to 104 total yards. Temple’s only points came from a 34-yard field goal by Carl Hardin in the second quarter.

Key Player Stats: Oklahoma Sooners

• John Mateer (QB): 20/34 passing (58.8%), 282 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, QBR 72.6, 7 carries, 63 rushing yards (9.0 avg), 1 rushing TD (51 yards), 34 minutes, +28 +/-. Mateer’s 51-yard TD run extended the lead to 32-3.
• Tory Blaylock (RB): 14 carries, 100 yards (7.1 avg), 2 TDs (18, 6 yards), long 25, 3 receptions, 20 yards, 28 minutes, +25 +/-. Blaylock’s scores built a 28-0 halftime edge.
• Jovantae Barnes (RB): 5 carries, 12 yards (2.4 avg), 1 TD (3 yards), long 6, 22 minutes, +20 +/-. Barnes’ 3-yard TD opened the scoring.
• Isaiah Sategna III (WR): 7 receptions, 97 yards (13.9 avg), 0 TDs, long 28, 2 punt returns for 10 yards, 24 minutes, +18 +/-. Sategna’s yards after catch stretched the field.
• Jaren Kanak (LB/TE): 4 receptions, 86 yards (21.5 avg), 0 TDs, 6 tackles (4 solo), 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 30 minutes, +22 +/-. Kanak’s versatility shone.
• Xavier Robinson (WR/RB): 5 carries, 26 yards (5.2 avg), 0 TDs, 1 reception, 6 yards (1 TD), long 15, 24 minutes, +15 +/-. Robinson’s 6-yard TD catch sealed the rout.
• Reggie Powers III (CB): 4 tackles (4 solo), 1 sack, 1 TFL, 26 minutes, +16 +/-. Powers’ sack forced a punt.
• Kendel Dolby (CB): 4 tackles (4 solo), 1 TFL, 1 pass breakup, 26 minutes, +14 +/-. Dolby limited deep threats.
• Tate Sandell (K): 2/3 FGs (52, 29 yards; missed 52), 4/4 XPs, 10 points, 12 minutes, 0 +/-. Sandell’s 52-yard FG set the tone.
• Team Stats: 42 points, 515 total yards (228 rushing, 287 passing), 21/37 passing (56.8%), 4 rushing TDs, 1 passing TD, 0 turnovers forced, 1 turnover lost (1 INT), 8 penalties (65 yards), 7/12 third-down conversions (58.3%), 6/6 red-zone scores (4 TDs, 2 FGs). Oklahoma controlled the clock with balanced offense.

Key Player Stats: Temple Owls

• Evan Simon (QB): 13/25 passing (52.0%), 75 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs, QBR 18.9, 9 carries, -10 rushing yards (-1.1 avg), 1 fumble lost, 32 minutes, -30 +/-. Simon’s short passes lacked explosive plays.
• Jay Ducker (RB): 7 carries, 24 yards (3.4 avg), 0 TDs, long 20, 3 receptions, 5 yards (1.7 avg), 28 minutes, -18 +/-. Ducker’s 20-yard run was Temple’s longest gain.
• Terrez Worthy (RB): 7 carries, 10 yards (1.4 avg), 0 TDs, long 4, 20 minutes, -10 +/-. Worthy was contained by Oklahoma’s front.
• Kajiya Hollawayne (WR): 2 receptions, 21 yards (10.5 avg), 0 TDs, long 12, 18 minutes, -8 +/-. Hollawayne’s catches yielded minimal impact.
• Ryder Kusch (TE): 2 receptions, 19 yards (9.5 avg), 0 TDs, long 19, 16 minutes, -5 +/-. Kusch’s 19-yard catch was Temple’s longest reception.
• Avery Powell (LB): 9 tackles (7 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFLs, 34 minutes, +3 +/-. Powell led Temple’s tackling effort.
• Curly Ordonez (LB): 7 tackles (6 solo), 0 sacks, 1 TFL, 1 PD, 32 minutes, +2 +/-. Ordonez broke up a pass.
• Sekou Kromah (DE): 7 tackles (4 solo), 1 sack, 2.5 TFLs, 1 PD, 30 minutes, +1 +/-. Kromah’s sack forced a field goal attempt.
• Carl Hardin (K): 1/1 FG (34 yards), 0/0 XPs, 3 points, 12 minutes, 0 +/-. Hardin’s 34-yard FG was Temple’s sole score.
• Team Stats: 3 points, 104 total yards (26 rushing, 78 passing), 13/25 passing (52.0%), 0 turnovers forced, 1 turnover lost (1 fumble), 10 penalties (85 yards), 3/16 third-down conversions (18.8%), 1/1 red-zone score (1 FG). Temple’s offense struggled, averaging 3.9 yards per play.

Critical Moments

• First Quarter (OU 11, TEM 0): Barnes’ 3-yard TD run (9:36) and a two-point conversion made it 8-0, followed by Sandell’s 52-yard FG (4:05) for 11-0. Temple punted after a three-and-out.
• Second Quarter (OU 28, TEM 3): Blaylock’s 18-yard TD (8:45) made it 18-0. Hardin’s 34-yard FG (2:33) put Temple on the board, but Blaylock’s 6-yard TD (0:45) capped a 28-3 halftime lead.
• Third Quarter (OU 32, TEM 3): Mateer’s 51-yard rushing TD (6:20) extended the lead. R Mason Thomas’ targeting ejection (4:10) had no impact on the outcome.
• Fourth Quarter (OU 42, TEM 3): Mateer’s 6-yard TD pass to Robinson (9:50) finalized the score.

Head-to-Head Analysis

The modern series began in 2024 as a two-for-one agreement: Temple at Oklahoma in 2024 and 2028, with Oklahoma at Temple in 2025. Oklahoma averaged 46.5 points per game (PPG) to Temple’s 3.0 PPG, with opponents averaging 3.0 and 46.5 PPG, respectively.

Oklahoma Strengths:

• Offensive Balance: Averaged 446.5 total yards per game (224 rushing, 222.5 passing), with Blaylock’s 100 yards and 2 TDs in 2025 and QBs combining for 423 passing yards and 5 TDs.
• Defensive Control: Held Temple to 150.5 yards per game (47.5 rushing), forcing 7 turnovers total (2 INTs, 4 fumbles in 2024; 1 fumble in 2025).
• Red-Zone Efficiency: 11/13 red-zone scores (8 TDs, 3 FGs) across both games.

Temple Strengths:

• Defensive Effort: Recorded 4 sacks and 12 TFLs, showing pocket pressure.
• Limited Passing Turnovers: 0 INTs in 2025, though fumbles hurt in both games.

Series Standouts

Oklahoma Sooners:

• Jackson Arnold (2024): 141 yards, 4 TDs passing; efficient debut.
• John Mateer (2025): 282 passing yards, 1 TD, 63 rushing yards, 1 TD.
• Tory Blaylock (2025): 100 rushing yards, 2 TDs; series rushing leader.

Temple Owls:

• E.J. Wilson (2024): 31 rushing yards, long of 12 yards.
• Jay Ducker (2025): 24 rushing yards, 20-yard burst.
• Avery Powell (2025): 9 tackles; defensive leader with 15 combined stops.

Team Performance Context

Oklahoma Sooners (3-0, No. 13 AP Poll by September 25, 2025): The Sooners entered SEC play undefeated, with wins over Illinois State (35-3) and Michigan (24-13). Their offense averages 43.0 PPG, balanced by a top-5 defense allowing 6.3 PPG. Mateer’s dual-threat ability and Blaylock’s emergence fuel playoff hopes, though penalties (10 per game) are a concern ahead of Auburn.

Temple Owls (2-1, unranked): The Owls started 2-0, scoring 97 points against UMass and Howard, but fell to 2-1 after the Oklahoma loss. Their offense (33.0 PPG pre-loss) relies on Simon’s short passing, but the defense struggles against Power 4 teams. Under first-year coach K.C. Keeler, Temple aims for bowl eligibility, starting with Georgia Tech.

Injury and Roster Notes

• Oklahoma Sooners: No major injuries reported; R Mason Thomas ejected for targeting in 2025, earning a half-game suspension vs. Auburn. QB depth is solid with Arnold as backup.
• Temple Owls: Forrest Brock was benched after 2024 turnovers; Evan Simon is the healthy starter. No key absences in 2025; Ducker was available post-transfer.

Conclusion

Oklahoma swept Temple 2-0 with decisive wins in 2024 (51-3) and 2025 (42-3), driven by Mateer’s versatility, Blaylock’s rushing, and a turnover-forcing defense. Temple’s Simon and Ducker showed flashes but were hindered by execution issues. The series underscores Oklahoma’s SEC readiness and Temple’s rebuilding phase, with the finale set for 2028 in Norman. For detailed stats and recaps, visit ESPN, soonersports.com, or owlsports.com.