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Georgia Tech Football: Owls offense is dangerous but turnover happy

By Dylan Callaghan-Croley

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 14: Anthony Russo #15 of the Temple Owls throws a pass against the Maryland Terrapins in the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on September 14, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 14: Anthony Russo #15 of the Temple Owls throws a pass against the Maryland Terrapins in the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on September 14, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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Georgia Tech defensive coordinator Andrew Thacker will face an offense whom’s players he’s very familiar with on Saturday. Here’s the low-down on the Owls offense.

The Temple passing attack:

The Temple passing attack is the meat of the Owls offense, with the Owls gaining nearly 350-yards through the air per game this season. Their quarterback in 2019 is junior quarterback Anthony Russo who’s in his second year as the Owls starting quarterback.

Last year, Russo was up-and-down in his first year as a starter, completing 57.4% of his passes for 2,563-yards, and 14 touchdowns. That being said, he also threw 14 interceptions. This season, Russo is off to a good start but his turnover issues remain. Through three games, 59.7% of his passes for 944-yards, 10-interceptions, and five touchdowns.  He has also has one lost fumble on the season, for a total of six turnovers in three games. Russo has the skillset and size to be a formidable quarterback but has to watch his turnovers.

When it comes to Russo’s top passing threats, redshirt sophomore Jadan Blue tops the list. Blue through three games already has 23 receptions for the Owls and has amassed 336-yards while scoring two touchdowns. Junior wide receiver Branden Mack is also off to a fantastic start with 16 receptions for 219-yards and two touchdowns.

Overall, the Owls like to spread the ball around with 13 different Owls recording a reception this season. Eight of those 13 have multiple receptions. Expect the Owls to throw the ball upwards of 40-times on Saturday which should create plenty opportunities for the Jackets secondary to make some big time plays.

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Rushing Attack:

The Owls through their first three games have not been nearly as dangerous on the ground as they have been through the air. They’re averaging just 123-yards per game this season and are averaging a mere 3.8 yards per carry.

In terms of ball carriers, two running backs are getting the bulks of the carries for the Owls. Those running backs are Jager Gardner and Re’Mahn Davis. Gardner this season has carried the ball the most with 33 carries, averaging 5.1 yards per carry for a total of 169-yards. He’s also scored two touchdowns. Davis, on the other hand, has 31 carries for 211-yards and has scored one touchdown. Both running backs have also been involved in the passing game with a combined six receptions for 110-yards and one touchdown.

The Owls will use the rushing attack when needed but by no means will it be a huge part of their gameplan on Saturday.

Offensive Line:

Despite the lack of a premier rushing attack out of the Owls, the Temple offensive line has been strong in 2019. Through the first three games, Temple has only allowed four sacks on the season, keeping quarterback Anthony Russo on his feet most of the time. When considering they’ve attempted at least 138 passing plays through three games, only allowing four sacks is prety solid for the Owls. The Georgia Tech defensive line will have a tough challenge going up against Temple’s offensive line on Saturday.

Overall:

Overall, the Temple offense this season has been dangerous to say the least. They’re averaging 32.7 points per game and a total of 470-yards per game. That being said, the Owls have a tendency to turn the ball over with eight turnovers on the season in three games. They had four turnovers last week against Buffalo including three interceptions thrown by Anthony Russo.

The Temple Owls will put up their fair share of points on Saturday despite Georgia Tech’s defense being rather strong this season. If the Jackets want a chance at an upset, they’ll need to force Temple turnovers. You can read that and a few other keys to victory, here, for the Yellow Jackets on Saturday.