Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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GAME PREVIEW: TEMPLE but he's already rushed for more yards than he did last year," Narducci said. "He actually started last season in the secondary, and moved over to running back during the season. But this year he's been dedicated at running back — and there was supposed to be stiff competition at the position, but he was just the best option since the beginning of camp. "He's had two key fumbles — against Cincinnati and UMass — but other than that, he's been great." None of the receivers jump out on the statistics sheet, but Narducci said Walker has a solid top target in fifth‑ year senior Robby Anderson. The 6‑3, 190‑pound pass catcher finished with nine touchdown catches over the final five games of 2013, but sat out last season due to academic ineligibility. Through five games this season, he snagged 19 receptions for 220 yards and four touchdowns. "Anderson is the go‑to guy," Nar‑ ducci said. "He had a great year two years ago, but he was academically ineligible last year. He's a bit thin, but he's got very good speed. Teams are trying to take him out — he's by far their best player; he can get deep. I still think the best is to come for him after the year off. "His numbers don't overwhelm, but that's because they aren't throwing the ball as much — they've been try‑ ing to get the run game going. He also returns punts well." Defensively, the Owls are anchored by senior linebacker Tyler Matakevich, who has amassed a stunning amount of production throughout his college career. The consensus preseason first‑ team All‑AAC selection recorded at least 100 tackles in each of his first three seasons, and has already made 44 stops through five games this year. "He's a great college player," Nar‑ ducci said. "Everyone I've talked to has said he's an NFL player, but there are questions about how high he could get picked. "He's not too big, but he has a great nose for the ball. He did get burned a Senior linebacker Tyler Matakevich has notched at least 100 tackles in his first three seasons and is off to another good start with 44 stops through five games. PHOTO BY JOSEPH V. LABILITO/TEMPLE UNIVERSITY