If a Temple football fan wanted to take a macro view of a disappointing 24-13 loss to Houston in the AAC championship game on Saturday, the focus would have been on a great season that included a lot of firsts and securing a terrific bowl game. Houston would add to the lead in the quarter as QB Greg Ward Jr would break off a big run for a 47 yard touchdown run for 17-0 and Cougars have everything going for them. Now a berth in a New Year’s Six bowl game as the Group of Five representative seems like a lock. “This is one of the most positive days in Temple Football history”. On the ground, Jahad Thomas rushed 119 yards and two touchdowns in 20 attempts.
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“Just an overwhelming sense of pride in our guys and our team”, said Herman, who came to Houston after working as the offensive coordinator for the Buckeyes. (1) prepares to stiff arm Temple Owls defensive back Will Hayes (32) during the Temple Owls at Houston Cougars game at TDECU Stadium, Houston, Texas.
Demarcus Ayers, WR, Houston- Greg Ward Jr.’s go-to receiver has had a spectacular season with 1140 yards, six touchdowns, and one ridiculous one-handed catch.
On the Owls’ fourth play from scrimmage, junior quarterback P.J. Walker threw an interception, giving the Cougars the ball at the Owls’ 36-yard line.
Austin Jones kicked a 40-yard field goal with 1:46 left in the first half to get Temple on the board, and the Owls forced a Houston punt to start the second half, and again drove into Houston territory, only to give the ball up on downs. University of Houston Vice President for Athletics Hunter Yuracheck called the postgame activity “disappointing”.
We saw Houston and Temple in the title game, but we also watched Keenan Reynolds break records at Navy and Paxton Lynch become a top quarterback prospect at Memphis. A win would give the Owls their first 11-win season….
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Matt Rhule’s team has been an undervalued commodity from Day 1 this year, going 9-3 against the spread including a 5-0 ATS mark when catching points as an underdog. In what will likely be the Fiesta or Peach Bowl, the AAC champion will have a chance to show the nation how good they truly are, when they face off against a Power Five squad or Notre Dame. This season, Walker has completed 196-of-346 of his pass attempts (56.6%) for 2,449 yards at 7.1 yards per pass attempt (18:6 ratio). He has 35 yards, three catches, no touchdowns. Ward meantime has 81 yards passing, no touchdowns.
