The Temple Owls took a crucial AAC victory, and got a second straight win tying them atop the AAC East as they defeated the USF Bulls by the final score of 46-30.
Temple’s offense got off to a hot start, controlling the first eight minutes of the game. After a 31-yard connection from quarterback Phillip Walker to receiver Ventell Bryant, the Owls took more time off the clock before a 22-yard field goal by Aaron Boumerhi put them up 3-0.
The Owls’s defense immediately took the field and forced a quick 3-and-out, giving Temple the ball back in just under two minutes. Although they were not able to get points out of the drive, the Owls were able to take another four minutes off the clock.
Late in the first quarter, USF got on the board with a touchdown drive in under two minutes capped off by a 27-yard strike from quarterback Quinton Flowers to receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
The Owls’s offense put together another eight minute drive to start the second quarter. This time, they found the end zone when Walker connected with tight end Colin Thompson for a one-yard touchdown pass.
USF would respond with a touchdown of their own when Flowers found receiver Tyre McCants in the endzone for a 31-yard score.
It did not take the Owls long to jump back out in front as running back Ryquell Armstead blasted through USF’s defense for a 76-yard touchdown run, his career best and Temple’s season best.
After trading field goals, USF regained the lead later in the third quarter with a three-yard touchdown run by Flowers on the heels of a defensive pass interference call on the Owls.
The Owls would answer as Armstead got his second long touchdown run of the game, this time for 42 yards. The sophomore running back finished the game with an impressive 210 yards on the ground.
Temple’s special teams helped give the Owls great field position when defensive lineman blocked a USF punt, allowing the Owls to start their drive on USF’s 20. Temple took advantage with a nine-yard touchdown run by running back Jahad Thomas.
USF was able to get a late 30-yard touchdown run by running back Marlon Mack, but a later interception by backup quarterback Brett Kean would set up a three-yard touchdown run by Thomas to seal the deal for the Owls.
Next Saturday, the Owls will look to continue their momentum as they host Cincinnati. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
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