PHILADELPHIA (Interstat) — Temple opened its season with a 38-14 victory over Rhode Island on Saturday at Lincoln Financial Field. The Owls led 10-7 after the first quarter and extended their advantage to 24-14 at halftime. Temple added touchdowns in the third and fourth quarters to seal the win. The Rams fell to 1-1.

Tyler Budge completed 18 of 31 passes for 195 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions for Rhode Island, adding 38 rushing yards and a score. Temple’s defense returned two interceptions for touchdowns. Jamarcus Pierre picked off a Budge pass and returned it 35 yards in the second quarter. Tyree Alualu intercepted Budge and went 63 yards for a score in the fourth.

Jaxon Smolik threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to Jayce Freeman in the first quarter. JoJo Bermudez had two catches for 40 yards and returned four punts for 86 yards. Rhode Island’s Case Mankins recorded three tackles and two sacks. Temple missed a 51-yard field goal attempt in the fourth quarter.

Temple is 1-0 and hosts Penn State next Saturday. Rhode Island plays Elon at home.