The Stan Drayton era at Temple Football has come to a close. After compiling a 9-25 record in a little over two and a half seasons, the head coach was fired with two games remaining. But let's focus on the good times and rank his Temple victories from one through nine.

Unveiling the Triumphs of Stan Drayton's Temple Football

1. Navy

In 2023, Drayton's Temple team achieved their best win against a Navy team that finished 5-7. The Owls took an early 17-0 lead but faced a scare before pulling away with a 32-18 home victory. The run defense was outstanding, limiting the Midshipmen to just 144 yards on 48 carries, an average of 3.0 yards per carry. E.J. Warner also played a crucial role, completing 27 of 33 passes for 402 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions. Although the Owls struggled to run the ball themselves, Warner's performance was a game-changer.The second half touchdown drives showcased the team's ability to close out a game and secure the win. It was a memorable performance that demonstrated the potential of the Temple football program under Drayton.

2. Tulsa

Tulsa may not be a strong team currently with a 3-7 record, but in this game, the Owls' defense was on fire. They limited the Golden Hurricane to just 240 total yards and a 2-11 third-down mark. Despite committing 10 penalties themselves, the Owls overcame the adversity and emerged victorious with a 20-10 score. This win was significant as it showed the team's ability to play tough defense and come out on top against a less formidable opponent.The low point total allowed by the defense was a testament to their hard work and determination. It was a game that gave Temple fans hope for the future and demonstrated that they could compete with even the lower-ranked teams.

3. Utah State

The Aggies from Utah State are a three-win team in the Mountain West, but Temple put on a show in the fourth quarter to secure a 45-29 victory. Evan Simon was the star of the show, completing 17 passes, five of which were touchdowns, and adding 49 yards and a touchdown on the ground. His six-score day was the catalyst as Temple scored four second-half touchdowns to run away with the game.The fourth-quarter comeback was a testament to the team's resilience and ability to perform under pressure. It was a game that showed Temple's potential to dominate opponents and come out on top in close games.

4. FAU

Drayton's final win was an overtime victory against the currently 2-8 Florida Atlantic Owls. The game was a nail-biter, with FAU storming down the field in less than two minutes to score a touchdown and tie the game at 15. But Temple escaped the battle of Strigiformes with a 39-yard field goal from Maddux Trujillo. This game will go down as one of the greatest ever played at Lincoln Financial Field.The overtime victory showed the team's ability to stay focused and make the big plays when it mattered most. It was a fitting end to Drayton's tenure at Temple and a moment that Temple fans will never forget.

5. South Florida

In 2022, Temple's only conference win was against a USF team that went 1-11. Edward Saydee was the star of the game, running for 265 yards and three touchdowns on 24 carries. South Florida's run defense was no match for Saydee's speed and power.His performance was a highlight of the season and showed that Temple had a talented running back who could carry the team to victory. It was a game that gave Temple fans hope for the future and demonstrated the team's ability to compete in conference play.

6. Akron

In the 2023 season opener, Temple was down 21-7 against a Zips team that finished 2-10. But E.J. Warner and Edward Saydee came to the rescue, linking up for two second-half touchdowns to pull off a comeback and secure a 24-21 victory. Although Temple struggled to run the ball against Akron's stout run defense, Warner's passing ability was on full display, as he completed 292 yards on 49 attempts.The comeback win showed the team's never-give-up attitude and their ability to overcome adversity. It was a game that gave Temple fans hope for the rest of the season and demonstrated the team's potential.

7. Norfolk State

You can't take the Norfolk State Spartans lightly. In a 41-9 victory, the Owls showed their dominance with a 290-yard rushing effort led by Joquez Smith and his 9.5 yards per carry. Temple scored on 7 of their 9 possessions and added a safety for good measure.The rushing attack was a key factor in the victory, as the Owls were able to control the tempo of the game and wear down the Spartans. It was a game that demonstrated Temple's ability to run the ball and score points in bunches.

8. Umass

This was the only shutout of the Stan Drayton era. The three Minutemen quarterbacks combined to go 11 for 26 for 80 yards and two interceptions. Umass finished the season with a 1-11 record, and Temple's defense was able to shut them down completely.The shutout was a testament to the team's defensive prowess and their ability to stop even the lowest-ranked opponents. It was a game that gave Temple fans confidence in their defense and showed that they could compete with anyone.

9. Lafayette

The only thing I remember about this game is that one guy blocked three punts. De'Von Fox was the hero, blocking three punts in a single game. It was an incredible feat that will be remembered by Temple fans for a long time.This game may not have been a high-scoring affair, but it was a memorable moment for the team and showed their ability to make big plays in unexpected ways.All nine of Drayton's wins came at home, with four being in-conference. There were some really close calls, like the OT loss to Navy, the two-point loss to Rutgers, and the 2022 season finale against ECU. But in the end, it just wasn't enough. Best of luck to Stan Drayton. His suffering is over.Kevin Kinkead has been writing about Philadelphia sports since 2009. He spent seven years in the CBS 3 sports department and started with the Union during the team's 2010 inaugural season. He went to the academic powerhouses of Boyertown High School and West Virginia University.email – k.kinkead@sportradar.com