The Temple Owls showed up, and showed out on both sides of the ball today, keeping Memphis out of the end zone, and defeating the Tigers by the final score of 31-12 at Lincoln Financial Field.
The match-up between the two 8-2 teams started with most of the action coming from the defenses. The Owls’ first drive started with slow movement before running back Jahad Thomas committed the team’s first turnover of the game with a fumble.
Temple’s defense came out swinging early, stalling Memphis’ efforts of capitalizing on the turnover by forcing an early three-and-out.
Quarterback P.J. Walker made an early impression on the next drive with a long 32-yard pass to wide-receiver Robby Anderson. The drive would be spoiled as Walker threw an interception to the Tigers’ Regis Ball, marking Temple’s second turnover of the quarter.
After two Memphis field goals, the Owls finally found the end zone as Walker hit wide-receiver Romond Deloatch for a 13-yard touchdown.
The Owls would punch in another touchdown before the end of the half when running back David Hood ran in a 14-yard score following a huge 49-yard Walker pass to receiver Brandon Shippen.
Walker would finish the half 10/18 for 190 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
It was all Temple in the second half of today’s game. The Owls ran into a minor glitch as Memphis blocked an Alex Starzyk punt, but the Tigers failed to turn the block into points and Jake Elliot’s field-goal attempt hit the upright.
Walker continued to execute throughout the half, throwing a 31-yard strike to receiver Ventell Bryant to set up a 13-yard touchdown run by tight-end Kip Patton.
The Owls would later seal the deal with a 19-yard touchdown catch from Saledeem Major. Temple would go on to defeat Memphis 31-12, advancing to 9-2, and getting one step closer to taking the AAC title.
After the game, Temple head coach Matt Rhule praised the team’s efforts, and stated that today was all about challenging the team’s seniors.
Rhule also spoke highly of Major, both for his on-field efforts, and off-field persona.
“He is just as tough and as smart as they come,” Rhule said. “There couldn’t be a guy who stands more for who we are than Sal Majors.”
Today’s game also marked a milestone as Walker threw his 50th touchdown, becoming Temple’s all-time leader in touchdown passes.
“I’m proud of him,” Rhule said of his record-breaking quarterback. “All he’s ever done is be a winner.”
Walker also spoke on his major career accomplishment.
“It means a lot, but you also have to think of the guys around you,” he said as he credited the efforts of his teammates for his feat.
Today’s win helped the Owls bounce back from a tough loss versus USF. It now comes down to one game, as Temple hosts UConn next Saturday night in hopes of winning the AAC title.
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