Penn State vs. Temple: Score, Highlights and Twitter Reaction

Penn State's steady dominance of Temple University over the years seemingly prevented the emergence of bad blood between the programs, but the Owls took a step toward igniting an intrastate rivalry with a 27-10 upset of the Nittany Lions at Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday afternoon.  

The win was Temple's first over Penn State since 1941, per ESPN Stats & Info, and according to the ESPN broadcast, it marked the first time Temple captured a home win over a Power Five conference team since 1942 against Kansas.  

ESPN's Josh Moyer summed up the result for both sides: 

"We know what the possibilities are here," Temple head coach Matt Rhule told reporters prior to Saturday's clash, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer's Mike Jensen. "We believe in it. But those are opportunities to show people what the possibilities are here at Temple. I think it's a chance to blow people's minds."

Saturday was a solid first step toward showing the program's possibilities. 

In the shocker, Temple absolutely dominated Penn State's offensive line and sacked quarterback Christian Hackenberg 10 times. 

Bleacher Report's Bryan Fischer put that staggering sack total in perspective: 

And although Hackenberg wasn't helped by shoddy protection up front, he didn't put forth a performance that inspired confidence. In the loss, the prized prospect mustered 103 yards and an interception while completing 11 of 25 passes. 

Bleacher Report's Matt Miller offered his take on how Penn State can reinvent its offense: 

Grantland's Chris B. Brown chimed in with a look at James Franklin's historic deficiencies in the scoring column:  

By game's end, Temple outgained Penn State, 317-191, as the Nittany Lions converted just two of 13 third downs. 

Penn State broke the contest's scoring seal with an early field goal followed by a 42-yard touchdown run from Akeel Lynch in the first quarter, but that was the only success the Nittany Lions experienced with the ball in their hands.  

StateCollege.com's Ben Jones provided an overview of just how drastic the offensive drop-off was over the game's final 45 minutes: 

Temple imposed its will over the game's final three quarters, with a goal-line touchdown run from P.J. Walker serving as the game's go-ahead touchdown. A 24-yard touchdown run from tailback Jahad Thomas in the fourth quarter was the icing on the cake of the Owls' season-opening upset. 

Thomas, who also ripped off a 29-yard run with the result in hand, finished Saturday's tilt with 29 carries for 135 yards and two touchdowns. Last season, Thomas ran for a grand total of 384 yards.  

Walker wasn't prolific in the win, but he was efficient. The junior signal-caller completed 15 of 20 passes for 145 yards without throwing an interception. 

And with a fierce defensive line that could emerge as one of the country's best, Temple has a chance to evolve into a sneaky squad that can shock more high-profile programs. 

The Owls play Cincinnati next week on the road and then will have to wait several weeks before they get another shot at a major upset against Notre Dame on Halloween. 

Penn State, meanwhile, just needs to find an offensive rhythm. Saturday was discouraging in just about every way, and the fact that Hackenberg took a beating could have opposing defenses salivating at the chance to rush the polished passer as the season progresses. 

A home date with Buffalo next week in Happy Valley will offer the Nittany Lions a chance to sort things out and prove Saturday's loss wasn't indicative of the season to come.