Both teams traded punts from that point, but a 24-yard field goal by Ty Cummins put Houston up 10-0, and the lead grew when Greg Ward Jr. ran it in for a 47-yard touchdown run. Houston is looking to get into a New Year’s Day bowl, while Temple is trying to improve its standing heading into what will be its first bowl appearance since 2012. Temple receiving in turn has been dominated by Anderson. Ward finished the game 26-for-35 for 308 yards and three touchdowns, and he scampered for 83 more yards on the ground. A win would give the Owls their first 11-win season…. Houston (17 AP/18 Coaches) improves to 12-1, winning its first conference title since nabbing the top spot in Conference USA in 2006.
Advertisement
Ward crested the 100 yard rushing mark in the 2nd half and added another rushing touchdown, but Temple would finally answer by finding paydirt with receiver Robby Anderson on a 13 yard balloon to the back of the end zone.
The AAC had as many as four teams nationally ranked this season, including a Memphis team that upset Ole Miss, and a Navy squad featuring a record-breaking quarterback.
Houston’s offense against Temple’s defense. The Owls’ stop unit is 0.6 yards per rush play and 1.1 yards per pass play better than average in 2015, which marginalizes Houston’s potent passing game that is 0.6 yards per play better than average. It’s no coincidence that Houston’s one loss came in a turnover-plagued game at UConn in which junior quarterback Greg Ward Jr. was injured. The Cougars are committed to keeping Herman on board beyond this season, one less distraction for the players on Saturday.
The Owls now have to wait to see which bowl game submits an offer.
It took the Cougars 10 plays to drive the short distance.
Temple’s defense forced the Cougars to punt to start the third quarter. After Anderson’s touchdown made the score 24-10, Temple’s defense forced a three-and-out from the Cougars on the next drive.
A 39-yard field goal by Austin Jones made it 24-13 early in the fourth. For Temple it is all about getting a win for school history. Houston coach Tom Herman agreed to a contract extension through 2020 earlier this week and his pay was more than doubled to $2.8 million annually….
Advertisement
We are used to enjoying these videos, but Houston’s administration is actually taking the side of the fan in this one.
