Temple Looks to Claim Second-Straight AAC East Crown at Home vs. ECU

Saturday, November 26

Lincoln Financial Field - Philadelphia

7:30 p.m.

Temple University

East Carolina

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Temple Looks to Claim Second-Straight AAC East Crown at Home vs. ECU

11.22.16 | Football

Buy Tickets Game Notes Game Notes Schedule Matt Rhule Press Conference Player Interviews

PHILADELPHIA - Temple (8-3, 6-1) heads into its final game of the season against East Carolina (3-8, 1-6) with the opportunity to clinch the American Athletic Conference East Division for the second straight season. This senior class has now earned 26 wins over its last three-plus years, which ranks ninth in school history over a four-year span, and has a chance to become third all-time if they win their next three games. The matchup is scheduled for Saturday, November 26, at 7:30 p.m. and will air on ESPNews nationally, as well as 97.5 The Fanatic, Temple football's flagship radio station.

The game will also be featuring a Treat for Troops drive as a part of Military Appreciation Day.Proceeds will go to benefit Philadelphia Treats for Troops, a local organization that collects goods, and makes care packages to send overseas to active military personnel. Fans will have the opportunity to make handmade cards with positive messages for the troops, to be included in the care packages, in the Kids Zone located behind section 133 on the concourse.

The Owls posted their second consecutive shutout for the first time since 2011, as they defeated Tulane 31-0 last Saturday. Senior QB Phillip Walker continues his spectacular final season, as he now has 19 total touchdowns to go along with 2,542 passing yards. Senior RB Jahad Thomas had another two-TD performance, making that eight out of nine games this season where he has notched a pair of scores. The defense continues its lights-out play as well, allowing just 277.8 yards per game, good for third in the nation behind only Alabama and Michigan. Senior DL Haason Reddick continues to wreak havoc on opposing offenses and now has 20.0 tackles for loss this season, which is first in the nation and has already broken the AAC single-season record. The secondary has also played sensational as they have given up just 142.4 passing yards per game, which ranks second in the nation behind only Michigan. The Owls will have their hands full against an ECU offense led by QB Phillip Nelson and his 348.5 passing yards per game, good for fifth in the nation and first in the conference.

LAST WEEK
Temple enters its final regular season matchup with East Carolina following a shutout over conference rival Tulane 31-0. The win marked the Owls' second consecutive shutout and the defense has not allowed a point throughout the last 10 quarters. Senior QB Phillip Walker was sensational as he threw for 337 passing yards and two touchdowns. Senior RB Jahad Thomas had two touchdowns in the game and now has 16 on the season, which has him tied for 10th in the nation. Meanwhile, sophomore WR Ventell Bryant had a career-high in receptions (9) and yards (168) to go along with a touchdown. Over the last six games, he has had 32 catches for 595 yards and two touchdowns. During the shutout, the Owls gave up a total of 142 yards and only 24 yards passing. Junior DB Sean Chandler led the team in tackles for a second time this season (6) and also added a fumble recovery.

LAST TIME
Last season, these two teams squared off and Temple defeated East Carolina 24-14. RB Jahad Thomas scored two touchdowns and ran for 66 yards, which was a game-high. QB Phillip Walker went 19-of-35 for 250 yards and a touchdown. LB Stephaun Marshall had nine tackles, and DL Haason Reddick contributed with one sack.

UP NEXT
With a win, Temple will play in the American Conference Championship for a second straight year. The game is scheduled for 12:00pm on ABC. Navy has sealed up the West Division and would host the game with a win this week against SMU.

Game Notes | Treat For Troops Drive Information | Coach Rhule Press Conference | Player Interviews