Temple fans rise early for ESPN's College GameDay
CENTER CITY (WPVI) -- Thousands packed Independence Mall showing off their school spirit for ESPN's College GameDay, ahead of one of the biggest games in Temple football history.
The owl's goal Saturday night is simple: Beat 9th-ranked Notre Dame and remain undefeated.
"We have GameDay, ABC, a prime-time game. It's just unbelievable how it all came together," said John Diehl of Northeast Philadelphia.
Most were decked out in cherry and white - but not everyone.
Temple head coach Matt Rhule made an appearance on the show, and didn't seem to mind all the blue and gold.
"It's been awesome. It's great to see Notre Dame people here, St. Joe's, Drexel. Everyone from Philly's here. And I think it's a great event for a great sport's town," said Rhule.
People got into the spirit not only with creative signs, but, because it's Halloween, they came in costume as well.
"We did have to wake her up to get here, but it was worth it because we may never get this again," said Chris Casella, Temple class of 2008.
Mayor Michael Nutter said ESPN called him on Sunday about bringing College GameDay to Philly, and things moved pretty quickly from there.
"Put the 'Pope Five' team back together - who brought us all the activity from the Pope Francis visit," said Nutter. "By Monday at noon we were rock solid and ready to go."
MORE: Temple University's campus gears up for College GameDay
The show wrapped with the customary GameDay predictions with a guest picker. And who better to share in the premonitions than the Phillie Phanatic?
And as always, longtime host Lee Corso donned the headpiece of his predicted winner.
His pick? The Irish.
Despite his unpopular choice, Temple fans still believe.
"I figured he'd pull through for the hometown crowd today, but not so much," said Jennifer Scordo of Mount Royal, New Jersey. Scordo said she still has faith and, "Temple will win."
Send us your pictures and videos from Independence Mall as we cheer on the Temple Owls.
Use the #6abcAction on social media or email us at Jointheaction@6abc.com.
And don't forget, you can watch the Owls take on the Irish right here on 6abc. Kickoff at Lincoln Financial Field is set for 8 p.m. Saturday night.
