Thomas Muzekari
Staff Writer
The Temple Owls football team started off 7-0 for the first time in team history after beating East Carolina 24-14. The Owls’ next test was when they hosted the 8th ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Lincoln Financial Field, in a showdown on Halloween night. The Owls had a field goal lead late, but couldn’t hold on as they lost in a nail-biter, 24-20.
The Owls were a little under the radar at the start of the season, but the team got off to a fast start as they beat Penn State for the first time since 1941, 27-10 in the season opener. Ever since, the team did not let up and strung together nine more wins. The team’s success has been anchored by running back Jahad Thomas who has 19 total touchdowns through thirteen games. Also, the team’s defense has been strong, allowing under 20 points a game.
Temple stepped into the top 25 for the first time since 1979 after its win against UCF. “People are respecting Temple and how we have played,” Head Coach Matt Rhule said. “We have to keep doing what we’ve been doing,” he explained.
Temple were 10-2 with their only two losses coming against Notre Dame and USF. They clinched a spot in the conference championship after taking down UConn 27-3. They then lost to the 18th ranked Houston Cougars in Texas.
The 24th ranked Owls have earned a spot in the Marmot Boca Raton Bowl where they will face the 9-2 Toledo Rockets on December 22.
