Temple's mcManus is Big East Specialist of the Week

(The Phanatic Magazine) – Temple senior PK/P Brandon McManus has earned the season’s first BIG EAST Conference Specialist of the Week honor.

In Temple’s win over Villanova on Friday, McManus had a busy night.  He set the school career record for field goals made with 48 following two (24 yds., 31 yds.) field goals in the fourth quarter. He surpassed Bill Wright (1985-88) who had 46 career field goals.

McManus was also a perfect five-for-five in extra points, extending his consecutive streak to 55 makes.  He also kicked off eight times for 515 yards (64.4 average) with six touchbacks. McManus punted four times for 177 yards (44,2 average). One punt was inside the 20, while the other was a touchback.

McManus is one of eight current players in the country who handle ALL kicking duties [KO, PAT, FG, FG, P].

On the career charts, McManus is now No. 2 in scoring with 275 points, surpassing Paul Palmer [1983-86] with 264.  Bernard Pierce holds the career record with 324 points scored.

McManus also became Temple’s career punting leader with a 45.64 average [50 punts and 2,282 yards].

The BIG EAST honor is the first of McManus collegiate career and his first this season.



Senior DB Vaughn Carraway was also named to the BIG EAST’s five-man Honor Roll.

Carraway, who made his first appearance in the Owls’ starting line-up at free safety, had the second interception of his career and returned it 57 yards for his first touchdown.  He finished with three solos tackles and a fumble recovery, the first of his career.

Additionally, McManus, Carwaway, and senior RB Matt Brown (Baltimore, Md.) earned Honorable Mention National Performer of the Week honors at their respective positions by the College Football Performance Awards.

Brown, who leads the BIG EAST in rushing, recorded the 10th 100-yard performance of his career in the win over Villanova.  He led the Owls with 145 yards and a 56-yard TD run on 19 carries.

Additionally, Brown had a career-high four punt returns for a career-high 84 yards, including a 45-yard best in the fourth quarter. He also returned three kickoffs for 41 yards.

Temple (1-0, 0-0 BIG EAST) hosts Maryland (1-0, 0-0 ACC) on Sept. 8 at Noon at Lincoln Financial Field.  ESPNU will televise the game.