Blocked Punt Swings Momentum as Georgetown Survives Temple’s Late Rally

Georgetown didn’t just beat Temple, they withstood them.

On August 28 at Crusader Stadium, the Eagles built a steady early lead, delivered the night’s defining special-teams moment, and then held off a furious fourth‑quarter surge to secure a 28–23 win. The turning point came midway through the third quarter, when Reagan Bollinger broke through Temple’s protection, blocking the kick and scooping the ball for a touchdown. The stadium erupted, and Georgetown suddenly owned a two‑score cushion they would desperately need later.

Before that momentum-shifting play, Georgetown controlled the pace. Quarterback Kaleb McDougle opened the scoring with a 14‑yard touchdown pass, and Zechariah Guyton added a pair of rushing touchdowns... one from two yards out, another a 17‑yard burst that answered Temple’s comeback attempt in the third quarter.

Temple refused to fade. Their offense found rhythm after halftime, stacking passing touchdowns and clawing back into the game. A fourth‑quarter safety tightened the score to 28–16, and another Temple touchdown trimmed the margin to five. But Georgetown’s defense delivered when it mattered most. Quinton Rock (#8) and Johnny Decker (#4) each snagged interceptions in the final frame, stopping drives and burning precious time until Temple’s last push finally stalled.

Georgetown’s early efficiency, Bollinger’s game-changing block, and a resilient defensive finish defined a night that was far more dramatic than the final score alone suggests.

Final Score: Georgetown 28, Temple 23

Key Performers

• Zechariah Guyton (#32): Two rushing touchdowns (2 yards, 17 yards)
• Kaleb McDougle (#12): 14‑yard touchdown pass
• Reagan Bollinger (#20): Blocked punt returned for touchdown
• Georgetown Defense: Two fourth‑quarter interceptions
• Temple: Three passing touchdowns, fourth‑quarter safety, strong second‑half rally

by RJ Walker