It’s the Penn State Nittany Lions versus the Temple Owls at Lincoln Financial Field on September 12, 2026. Here’s how to watch live on TV.
- Time: 12:00 PM ET
- Location: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
- TV Channels: ESPN2
How to Watch Penn State vs. Temple on September 12, 2026
You can watch the Temple Owls take on the Penn State Nittany Lions live on DIRECTV on ESPN2 on September 12, 2026 at 12:00 PM ET.
No. 16 Penn State (1-0) at Temple (1-0) — Game Preview
No. 16 Penn State brings a 1-0 record into Philadelphia to face a Temple team that also opened its season with a win, and the Nittany Lions carry Big Ten weight into a road trip against a confident in-state opponent.
Penn State enters under a rebuilt coaching staff led behind center by transfer quarterback Rocco Becht, who completed 13 of 18 passes for 271 yards and four touchdowns in his Nittany Lions debut. Running back Carson Hansen backs him up on the ground, carrying 11 times for 48 yards in the opener to give Penn State a complementary rushing threat.
Temple counters with quarterback Ajani Sheppard, who completed 5 of 10 passes for 85 yards, though the Owls’ offense so far runs through running back Keveun Mason, who piled up 158 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries. Linebacker Tony Rojas and defensive lineman Kevin Hornbeak Jr. each already have a sack this season, setting an early tone up front on both sides of the ball. A ranked road favorite against a physical, confident Temple team makes for a compelling early-season measuring stick for both programs.
National TV
ESPN2
What Time is the Penn State vs. Temple Game Today?
The Penn State vs. Temple game starts at 12:00 PM ET.
Where Can I Watch Penn State vs. Temple?
You can watch Penn State vs. Temple on ESPN2.
Players to Watch: Penn State vs. Temple
Penn State Nittany Lions
Rocco Becht — QB. The transfer quarterback completed 13 of 18 passes for 271 yards and four touchdowns in his Penn State debut, an efficient first outing under a new coaching staff. His accuracy gives the Nittany Lions offense a clear identity as it adjusts to Big Ten competition.
Carson Hansen — RB. Eleven carries for 48 yards marked a solid opening line for the running back, who gives Penn State a between-the-tackles complement to Becht’s passing. His workload should grow if the Nittany Lions look to control the clock in Philadelphia.
Tony Rojas — LB. A season-opening sack put the linebacker on the board early, and he brings an established presence to a Penn State defense still installing new schemes. Rojas’ ability to pressure the quarterback matters against a Temple offense built around the run.
Temple Owls
Ajani Sheppard — QB. Five of 10 passing for 85 yards was an efficient, low-volume opening line for the quarterback, whose job against Penn State is managing the game rather than forcing throws. Temple’s offense so far has run through its backfield rather than its passing attack.
Keveun Mason — RB. Twenty carries for 158 yards and two touchdowns made him the clear engine of Temple’s offense in the season opener. Mason’s workload points to a game plan built around wearing down Penn State’s front seven.
Kevin Hornbeak Jr. — DL. A sack in the season opener signaled the defensive lineman’s disruptive potential up front. Slowing Penn State’s rebuilt backfield in Philadelphia will start with him and the rest of Temple’s line.
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