Temple University Athletics
Friday, November 4
Rentschler Field - East Hartford, CT
7:00 p.m.
Temple University
7-3 , 5-1
21
at
0
UConn
3-7 , 1-6
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
F
Temple
21
0
0
0
21
UConn
0
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Photo by: Joseph V. Labolito/Temple University
Temple Shuts Out UConn, 21-0
11.4.16 | Football
EAST HARTFORD — Behind a two-dimensional offensive game plan and a staunch defensive front unwilling to break, Temple took to the road to shutout regional rival and East Division foe UConn 21-0 Friday evening at Pratt & Whitney Stadium.
The Owls utilized a balanced offense, compiling 218 yards on the ground along with 215 yards through the air, to work the clock and generate three early scores. The defense, however, clamped down on a sputtering Husky offense, forcing numerous three-and-outs and holding the unit to just 158 total yards.
The shutout marked the first for the program over an FBS opponent since October 15, 2011, when the Owls held Buffalo scoreless in a 34-0 victory.
With the victory, Temple improves to 7-3 (5-1 American), good for first in the East Division and a guaranteed bowl invite. UConn, on the other hand, falls to 3-7 (1-6 American), essentially eliminating the program from postseason eligibility.
Facing the top run defense in the conference, senior QB Phillip Walker and the Owls took the air for an early statement score after a quick three-and-out by the Huskies. Throwing three times in a five-play, 74-yard drive, Walker capped the possession with a 23-yard rope to fellow senior RB Jahad Thomas, who pulled in the catch before falling into the end zone.
The ensuing Temple possession saw similar results, as Walker first completed a 44-yard toss to sophomore WR Ventell Bryant before dropping in another touchdown to Thomas, this time a short touch pass in the flats at the goal line.
For the game, Walker finished 12-of-18 through the air for 215 yards and three touchdowns, throwing two interceptions. Thomas, meanwhile, led the team in all-purpose yards, earning 17 carries for 83 yards while grabbing four receptions for 73 yards and two touchdowns.
As UConn took over for the third time having just run six total plays, the Huskies finally managed to find some semblance of rhythm. Driving down inside the Owl redzone, the unit finally stalled and was forced to attempt a 35-yard field goal, one that was promptly blocked by senior DL Praise Martin-Oguike.
With momentum firmly in Temple's corner following the block, the Owls exploited the faltering Husky defense, turning to their strength: power rushing. Highlighted by the one-two punch of Thomas and sophomore RB Ryquell Armstead, Temple pounded out 59 yards on the ground before turning to Walker to close out the unit's third-straight scoring possession.
The senior proceeded to work in his third touchdown pass of the matchup, finding TE Romond Deloatch on an 18-yard fade up the left centerline. For Deloatch, the score marked his first on offense this season, as the senior who moonlights at defensive end scooped a fumble into the end zone against SMU earlier this year.
While the Temple defense continued to hold UConn scoreless throughout the second quarter, the Owls' offense finally slowed down. The group's best drive of the period — a 10-play, 54-yard possession — ended abruptly at the goal line, as Husky defender Obi Melifonwu intercepted a pass intended for Bryant.
The second half told a similar story for both squads, as the UConn offense was consistently smothered by the staunch Temple defensive front. Offensively, the Owls were able to move the ball but struggled to build on the 21-0 lead, their best opportunity ending in another Melifonwu pick, this time in the back of the end zone.
A bright spot for the offense, however, came from Armstead, who picked up a team-best 133 yards on the ground behind 20 carries. Combined with Thomas, the two backs pounded the UConn defense, grinding the clock and churning out yardage.
Up next, Temple will receive a well-deserved bye week ahead of another conference road matchup against Tulane in New Orleans. Meanwhile, UConn also takes its bye week before traveling to non-conference rival Boston College.
Video Highlights | Box Score | Pre-Game Gallery | Game Action Gallery | Coach Rhule Press Conference
The Owls utilized a balanced offense, compiling 218 yards on the ground along with 215 yards through the air, to work the clock and generate three early scores. The defense, however, clamped down on a sputtering Husky offense, forcing numerous three-and-outs and holding the unit to just 158 total yards.
The shutout marked the first for the program over an FBS opponent since October 15, 2011, when the Owls held Buffalo scoreless in a 34-0 victory.
With the victory, Temple improves to 7-3 (5-1 American), good for first in the East Division and a guaranteed bowl invite. UConn, on the other hand, falls to 3-7 (1-6 American), essentially eliminating the program from postseason eligibility.
Facing the top run defense in the conference, senior QB Phillip Walker and the Owls took the air for an early statement score after a quick three-and-out by the Huskies. Throwing three times in a five-play, 74-yard drive, Walker capped the possession with a 23-yard rope to fellow senior RB Jahad Thomas, who pulled in the catch before falling into the end zone.
The ensuing Temple possession saw similar results, as Walker first completed a 44-yard toss to sophomore WR Ventell Bryant before dropping in another touchdown to Thomas, this time a short touch pass in the flats at the goal line.
For the game, Walker finished 12-of-18 through the air for 215 yards and three touchdowns, throwing two interceptions. Thomas, meanwhile, led the team in all-purpose yards, earning 17 carries for 83 yards while grabbing four receptions for 73 yards and two touchdowns.
As UConn took over for the third time having just run six total plays, the Huskies finally managed to find some semblance of rhythm. Driving down inside the Owl redzone, the unit finally stalled and was forced to attempt a 35-yard field goal, one that was promptly blocked by senior DL Praise Martin-Oguike.
With momentum firmly in Temple's corner following the block, the Owls exploited the faltering Husky defense, turning to their strength: power rushing. Highlighted by the one-two punch of Thomas and sophomore RB Ryquell Armstead, Temple pounded out 59 yards on the ground before turning to Walker to close out the unit's third-straight scoring possession.
The senior proceeded to work in his third touchdown pass of the matchup, finding TE Romond Deloatch on an 18-yard fade up the left centerline. For Deloatch, the score marked his first on offense this season, as the senior who moonlights at defensive end scooped a fumble into the end zone against SMU earlier this year.
While the Temple defense continued to hold UConn scoreless throughout the second quarter, the Owls' offense finally slowed down. The group's best drive of the period — a 10-play, 54-yard possession — ended abruptly at the goal line, as Husky defender Obi Melifonwu intercepted a pass intended for Bryant.
The second half told a similar story for both squads, as the UConn offense was consistently smothered by the staunch Temple defensive front. Offensively, the Owls were able to move the ball but struggled to build on the 21-0 lead, their best opportunity ending in another Melifonwu pick, this time in the back of the end zone.
A bright spot for the offense, however, came from Armstead, who picked up a team-best 133 yards on the ground behind 20 carries. Combined with Thomas, the two backs pounded the UConn defense, grinding the clock and churning out yardage.
Up next, Temple will receive a well-deserved bye week ahead of another conference road matchup against Tulane in New Orleans. Meanwhile, UConn also takes its bye week before traveling to non-conference rival Boston College.
Video Highlights | Box Score | Pre-Game Gallery | Game Action Gallery | Coach Rhule Press Conference
Team Stats
TEM
UCONN
Total Yards
431
160
Pass Yards
215
69
Rushing Yards
216
91
Penalty Yards
25
23
1st Downs
22
8
3rd Downs
6
5
4th Downs
0
0
TOP
33:36
26:24
1st Quarter
TEM 7, UCONN 0
TEM - THOMAS,Jahad 23 yd pass from WALKER,Phillip (BOUMERHI,Aaron kick) 5 plays, 74 yards, TOP 2:20
TEM 14, UCONN 0
TEM - THOMAS,Jahad 10 yd pass from WALKER,Phillip (BOUMERHI,Aaron kick) 3 plays, 55 yards, TOP 1:16
TEM 21, UCONN 0
TEM - DELOATCH,Romond 18 yd pass from WALKER,Phillip (BOUMERHI,Aaron kick) 6 plays, 77 yards, TOP 3:04
Game Leaders
Passing Leaders
CMP
12
TD
3
YDS
215
INT
2
Players Mentioned
RB
/ Football
WR
/ Football
TE/DL
/ Football
DL
/ Football
RB
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