On what was senior night, the Temple Owls ran away with the AAC East title, and punched their ticket into the AAC Championship game with a 27-3 victory over the UConn Huskies.
The Owls handed UConn a shutout in the first half with key defensive stops. After a 28-yard UConn punt, running back Jahad Thomas lead the charge to Temple’s first points of the game with a big 16-yard run that eventually set up a nine-yard touchdown.
Temple’s defense continued to deny UConn of any scoring opportunities as linebacker Jarred Alwan forced a fumble that was recovered by Stephaun Marshall at the end of the first quarter.
Shortly before the half, the Owls put another three on the board after a receiver Brandon Shippen drew a pass interference call that would set up a 20-yard field-goal by Austin Jones.
After a dominant first half, Temple continued to roll over the Huskies. After a 37-yard field goal by Austin Jones to extend the lead, quarterback P.J. Walker threw what we all thought to be a 6-yard touchdown to receiver Romond Deloatch. The touchdown was overturned as officials said Deloatch did not complete the catch. However, the two hooked up on the very next play to punch in the score.
Temple’s defense made their presence felt in the second half as well when defensive back Sean Chandler caught an interception as UConn was nearing the endzone.
The Owls were not yet done as Thomas ran in his second touchdown of the game, this one for 60 yards.
The Huskies eventually got a 45-yard field goal, but it did not matter as Temple ran away with the victory and the AAC East championship. The win also officially puts the Owls against Houston next week for the AAC Championship.
Following the win, head coach Matt Rhule talked about what the championship meant to the team.
“Winning ten games is an accomplishment. Having that trophy is an accomplishment. Playing in that game is an accomplishment, but we want to win next week.”
Rhule also gave his thoughts as the Owls head into the championship match-up.
“I have to get the schedule ready for tomorrow,” he said. This was my first time being in a situation not knowing whether you have another game.”
Coach Rhule also praised Houston’s defense while assuring that his team would be well-prepared heading into the game.
Bouncing back from a tough week last week, Thomas spoke on his 119-yard game this week.
“I felt a lot better this week and knew coming into the game that this would be a big game,” he said.
Thomas also added that while he does have some minor nagging injuries, he will be ready to go against Houston.
Kickoff for Temple’s AAC Championship game against Houston is scheduled for 12 p.m.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
