Temple University to Host No. 13 Oklahoma in Pivotal Non-Conference Clash

Lead: Temple University will welcome the No. 13 Oklahoma Sooners to Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia today at 12:00 PM ET, marking a high-profile matchup that pits undefeated squads against one another.

Nut Graf: Saturday’s contest not only represents Temple’s toughest test of the young 2025 campaign but also underscores the Owls’ resurgence under first-year head coach K.C. Keeler. A victory would propel Temple to a 3-0 start-a feat last achieved in 2019-while offering a marquee win that could elevate the program’s national standing.

Game Details

  • Kickoff: 12:00 PM ET at Lincoln Financial Field
  • Broadcast: ESPN2; live audio on OwlSports.com and SiriusXM 385
  • Entry Gates Open: 10:30 AM (90 minutes before kickoff)
  • Attendance Forecast: ~70,000 capacity at “The Linc”

Temple’s Momentum

  • Start of Season: 2-0 for the first time since 2019, following a 55-7 home win over Howard and a 42-10 victory at UMass.
  • Offensive Prowess: Leads the American Athletic Conference with 513.5 yards per game; QB Evan Simon tops the league with nine touchdown passes and zero interceptions.
  • Defensive Strength: Temple has conceded just 17 points through two outings, its stingiest start since 2011.

Oklahoma’s Credentials

  • Record: 2-0 entering Philadelphia after wins over Illinois State (35-3) and No. 15 Michigan (24-13).
  • National Ranking: 13th in the AP Top 25; boasting one of the nation’s toughest schedules.
  • Key Players: QB John Mateer (662 passing yards, four TDs); WR Deion Burks (189 receiving yards, two TDs); stout defense with six shutout quarters.
  • Series Snapshot: Oklahoma leads the all-time series 2-1; Temple’s lone victory came in 1942 at Temple Stadium.
  • What’s at Stake: A win for Temple would mark the Owls’ first triumph over a top-15 opponent at Lincoln Financial Field and cement early-season momentum ahead of American Athletic Conference play.
  • Fan Notes: Pre-game festivities include a school spirit rally at the Bell Tower and complimentary tailgate clinics hosted by Temple Athletics.

Bullet Point Takeaways:

  • Temple seeks its first 3-0 start since 2019.
  • Oklahoma aims to remain unbeaten and climb inside the top 10.
  • Lincoln Financial Field opens gates early to accommodate a large, engaged crowd.