Temple returns to the AAC Championship game after rolling past East Carolina
Fly, Owls, Fly! Temple is heading back to the AAC championship game after demolishing East Carolina 37-10.
Dropping the opening game of the season to Army 28-13 did not deter Temple from reaching its goals. The Owls have rolled for eight wins and only two losses by a combined two touchdowns since that initial defeat.
Although East Carolina scored first with a 13-yard passing touchdown from Garnder Minshew to Jimmy Williams, the Pirates would not add to the point total again until the fourth quarter. Tonight’s dominant Temple performance was a complete game, including five rushing touchdowns by the Owls with only 42 rushing yards allowed on 1.6 yards per carry by the Owl defense. Senior running back Jahad Thomas burned the Pirate defense for 152 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries.
The Owls have earned trips to both AAC title games since its inception in 2015. On this trip, they will hope for a different result than last year’s 13-24 loss to Tom Herman’s Houston Cougars.
Temple will now get to avenge its loss from one service academy with a chance to beat another. No. 25 Navy waits for Temple in the AAC Championship game. Navy’s offense is a force to be reckoned, having scored more than 40 points seven times this season. Putting up 141 points in their last two games, Navy enters the AAC title game on fire.
Temple and Navy will be a battle on the ground with two stellar rushing attacks. Time of possession should be an good indicator of who wins the battle. Most importantly, the victor of the AAC game could have a chance at a New Year’s Six bowl if Western Michigan stumbles.
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