PHILADELPHIA - The rain cleared out of Philadelphia before the start of Ball State University's game at Temple University, but it left behind a flurry of yellow flags.
But the flags didn't leave anything new behind for the Cardinals, who lost 24-19 to drop to 0-6.
The two teams combined for 18 penalties in a rough game. The Owls were able to overcome some costly penalties in the red zone with a stout defense and early offense.
Temple scored 10 points in the first 10 minutes of the game and did not allow a Ball State score until the second half. Quarterback Vaughn Charlton found James Nixon in the back of the end zone for a 28-yard touchdown pass with 4:48 left in the first quarter.
That was the last offensive outburst for either team until Kelly Page connected with Tori Gibson for a 50-yard touchdown in the third quarter. On the next drive, the Cardinals forced the Owls to punt, but the snap sailed over Jeff Wathne's head. Eric Williams finally came up with the ball in the end zone for his first career touchdown. But for the second time in two games, Ian McGarvey missed an extra point.
On the next possession, Temple drove 60 yards on nine plays to take the lead back. Running back Bernard Pierce scored on a two-yard run. On that drive, Pierce became the first Owls freshman to rush for 100-yards in three consecutive games.
Ball State had any comeback thwarted by the Owls' defense. Safety Jaiquawn Jarrett came up with his second interception of the game. Temple used their good field position to put the game away. Pierce scored his second touchdown of the game on a three yard run, giving the Owls a 24-13 lead.
Page finished the game 22-for-38 for 237 yards. He had two touchdown and two interceptions. MiQuale Lewis rushed nine times for 54 yards. Gibson had five catches for 110 yards and a touchdown. Briggs Orsbon had 10 catches for 82 yards. It was Orsbon's second consecutive 10-reception game.
For full coverage of Saturday's loss to Temple, read Sunday's edition of The Ball State Daily News on bsudailynews.com.
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