Temple Coach Resigns After Blown Fake Punt

Temple coach Ron Dickerson, whose failed fake-punt gamble led to the winning touchdown in Pitt’s come-from-behind 53-52 victory Saturday, announced his resignation after the game.

“I told the team in the locker room that I am resigning at the end of the season,’ he said. “I lost this game today, not them.”

Dickerson, a former Penn State assistant, is in his fifth season at one of Division I-A’s leastsuccessful schools.

Pitt staged a three-touchdown comeback in the final 10:13.

With Temple ahead 52-47 with 2:33 remaining, Dickerson ordered a fake punt on fourth-and-1 from the Owls’ 43. Reserve quarterback Pat Bonner was stopped for a 1-yard loss and Pitt had great field position for the game-winning drive.

Until Pitt’s big comeback, Temple led 45-27 and 52-33 and appeared headed for only its second victory in 33 Big East Conference games, both over Pitt. Dickerson is 5-33 in four seasons.