Devlin Ochestrates Comeback To Lead Blue Hens Over Temple - majesty95's Dynasty

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Devlin Ochestrates Comeback To Lead Blue Hens Over Temple

Posted on June 17, 2011 at 11:06 AM.

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Everything seemed to be going so smoothly through the first 28 minutes of the game. Delaware had opened up a 14-3 lead and Pat Devlin was looking like the future NFL star he was projected to be. Then, all of the sudden, Temple remembered they were an up-and-coming FBS team.

Temple quickly marched down the field following Devlin's 4-yard touchdown pass to Fritz Stueber and quickly pulled within 4. Two plays later Justin Gildea returned a Devlin pass 41 yards for a score. Just like that a game that the Blue Hens appeared to be dominating saw them behind on the scoreboard.

The next drive said something about the senior quarterback, however. With just 34 seconds on the clock, Devlin took over and swiftly lead his team down the field and into field goal position. Jason Bilotti drilled a 32-yard field goal as time expired in the half to send the teams into the half deadlocked at 17.

That drive was a sign of how this game would transpire. Devlin, after struggling in his first three games and hearing constant criticism about his play, seemed determined to will his team to victory. Even on defensive series' it seemed like Devlin was orchestrating the events on the field.

After swapping punts in the third quarter, Temple pulled back ahead on a 1-yard run by Bernard Pierce. Devlin responded by leading Delware on a methodical drive that put the Blue Hens back on top 24-23 (Temple missed their PAT attempt in the 3rd). Following a Temple turnover, Delaware was able to score again when Devlin hit Colin Naugle on a miraculous 3rd down completion for a 45-yard TD.

Most folks thought the game was over at that point with just 1:49 remaining on the clock. However, as if Devlin was the maestro and Temple was his orchestra, the Owls flew down the field and scored just 34 seconds later. A two-point conversion set Devlin up for what could be his season defining performance.

The senior QB moved the Hens effortlessly down the field and inside the 30-yard line. However, the maestro didn't want it to be that easy. A clipping call and a sack saw the Hens facing a 3rd and 25 with less than 30 seconds remaining from nearly midfield.

Knowing that Temple would likely bring the heat, head coach KC Keeler decided to run backup halfback Leon Jackson into the flat as a check-down receiver. Temple indeed brought the heat, including the weak-side corner, and Devlin hit Jackson for a 27-yard pickup and a first down.

The ball was at the 11-yard line with 18 seconds left. Devlin took a knee and Temple decided to let the time tick down and save their timeouts to try and "ice" Bilotti. With three seconds left Devlin signaled for a timeout and after successive timeouts by Delaware Bilotti marched onto the field for a game-winning 31-yard field goal attempt.

The snap was perfect and so was the kick as it split the uprights and the Delaware players stormed the field. Devlin, however, just fist bumped his head coach and looked on with a wry smile on his face. This was the plan all along.

Or so it seemed.

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