Temple Dominates Memphis; Game Recap

Reeling from a heartbreaking loss to Houston the Memphis Tigers looked to rebound in Philadelphia against Temple.  Temple on the other hand looked to move one step closer to securing a berth in the AAC Championship Game.  The Tigers offense however could never seem to find any sense of rhythm as the Tigers fell to Temple, 31-12.

P.J. Walker managed the game well for Temple as he finished with 261 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception on 14 passes in the win.  Paxton Lynch, and the Memphis offense, however failed to take advantage of early opportunities.

The Tigers were early recipients of a fumble, an interception, and a 4th down stand at midfield.  Field goals were the only byproduct of the defensive stands.

Walker would connect with Romond Deloatch for the 13 yard score midway through the second quarter.  David Hood would punch in a run from 14 yards out to add to the Owl lead.  Jake Elliot would tack on a field goal for Memphis to trim the Temple halftime lead, 14-9.

The third quarter was rather unceremonious.  Memphis kicker Jake Elliot was the only player to find any points as he went 1 for 2 on field goals.  Elliot connected from 39 after earlier missing a kick by clanking the upright.

The Owls put the game away in the 4th behind dominant defense and an efficient running game.  The Owls defense would keep Memphis in check and force the Tigers to very little movement.  The Temple offense meanwhile would dominate the Tigers until the final.  Temple would find the end zone on a Kip Patton 13 yard run before adding a 35 yard Austin Jones kick.  Walker, late in the 4th, would seal the game on a play action pass to Saledeem Major for the 13 yard score.

The Owl defense ended the game as the only team this season to keep Memphis out of the end zone.  Temple held the high powered offense of Memphis to only 230 total yards.  Memphis next week looks to rebound at home against SMU while Temple will look to seal the East against UConn.