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University of Massachusets Athletics
University of Massachusetts
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Temple
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Massachusetts Football Drops Season Opener To Temple
August 30, 2025 | Football
Jacquon Gibson had a career day for the Minutemen
AMHERST, Mass. – Massachusetts football held a 10-7 advantage through the first quarter, but three second quarter scores helped carry Temple past the Minutemen, 42-10, on Saturday in the teams' 2025 season opener at McGuirk Alumni Stadium (11,565).
Wideout Jacquon Gibson had a breakout day for the Minutemen, totaling career highs in catches (12) and yards (132). Running back Rocko Griffin had 94 yards rushing on 10 carries and added a touchdown, while starting quarterback Brandon Rose was 23-for-38 for 193 yards. On the defensive side, Derrieon Craig had a team-high eight tackles (five solo).
How It Happened
The Minutemen took the opening kickoff and put together a nine play, 75-yard scoring drive capped by an 18-yard rushing touchdown by Rocko Griffin. Brandon Hood had three-yard gain on a fourth-and-one play, while Griffin also had a 19-yard rush on the drive.
Temple answered when it got the ball for the first time, with Peter Clarke grabbing a 21-yard touchdown pass.
Massachusetts regained the lead, 10-7, at 1:11 of the first quarter on a 40-yard field goal by Derek Morris. Jacquon Gibson had a 39-yard catch to set up the score.
Temple took advantage of a UMass fumble and had a 41-yard touchdown drive that ended at 11:48 of the second quarter for a 14-10 lead.
A Griffin 41-yard rush setup first and goal at the three-yard line. But on a fourth-and-goal chance Brandon Rose was denied at the goal line. Temple went on to take a 28-10 lead at the half.
Temple received the ball to start the second half, but the Minutemen forced an Owls punt. The Minutemen drove the other way, but Rose had a pass intercepted in the end zone. Neither team put up points in the frame as the score remained 28-10 heading into the fourth.
Evan Simmon connected with Ryer Kusch twice in the fourth for Temple's two scores—a three-yard grab with 12:39 to play and a two-yard completion at the 6:26 mark.
Notes
- Jovoni Borbon, Keegan Andrews, Jacquon Gibson and Rocko Griffin served as the game captains.
- Rocko Griffin had his first rushing touchdown with the Minutemen and the 12th of his career and finished with 94 yards on the day, with a long of 39.
- Jacquon Gibson had a 39-yard grab in the first quarter, tying his career-long mark (at Toledo on Sept. 7, 2024), while adding a career-high in receptions (12) and receiving yards (132).
Next Up
Massachusetts will play host to Bryant at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept 6 (ESPN+). Tickets are available here.
Team Stats
TEM 0, UMA 7
UMA - Griffin,Rocko 18 yd run (Morris,Derek kick), 9 plays, 75 yards, TOP 03:35
TEM 7, UMA 7
TEM - Clarke,Peter 21 yd pass from Simon,Evan (Hardin,Carl kick) 12 plays, 90 yards, TOP 06:18
TEM 7, UMA 10
UMA - Morris,Derek 40 yd field goal 9 plays, 53 yards, TOP 03:51
TEM 14, UMA 10
TEM - Hollawayne,Kajiya 24 yd pass from Simon,Evan (Hardin,Carl kick) 3 plays, 41 yards, TOP 00:40
TEM 21, UMA 10
TEM - Clarke,Peter 29 yd pass from Simon,Evan (Hardin,Carl kick) 5 plays, 99 yards, TOP 02:08
TEM 28, UMA 10
TEM - Worthy,Terrez 13 yd pass from Simon,Evan (Hardin,Carl kick) 5 plays, 48 yards, TOP 00:35
TEM 35, UMA 10
TEM - Kusch,Ryder 3 yd pass from Simon,Evan (Hardin,Carl kick) 13 plays, 80 yards, TOP 07:09
TEM 42, UMA 10
TEM - Kusch,Ryder 2 yd pass from Simon,Evan (Hardin,Carl kick) 8 plays, 35 yards, TOP 03:57
