Jahad Thomas: Jahad Thomas keys Temple win with two scores

For the second straight week, the defense was smothering and the offense more than efficient as Temple beat CT, 27-3, to clinch the American Athletic Association East Division title at Lincoln Financial Field. The Owls were 10-2 in 1979. But Temple says it can't live off this moment forever and that the focus now shifts to Houston.

The Huskies had no answer for linebacker Tyler Matakevich. "But you can't be satisfied". The Owls successful season has given fans a cherry-and-white beacon of hope during a lackluster year for Philly sports. "We'll enjoy this tonight".

"They are very physical", said UConn sophomore defensive end/linebacker Luke Carrezola. And the victor of that game appears to be a virtual lock for the Group of Five's automatic berth into the New Year's Six bowls.

"Houston is what's next", Temple's featured tailback said.

He called it a "championship culture". "To win the East is a big deal for us, as well as having the chance to be in the first-ever championship game". The site reported that Missouri met with Toledo head coach Matt Campbell on Saturday. "We finally have a winning season after all those losing seasons", said Mary Romich of Boyertown, Pa. "Temple wasn't really known for football, but I got here and we've been unbelievable so it's a good first year I think", said freshman Amanda Daly of Ridley Township. But that doesn't mean there's not any familiarity.

UConn will be without tight end Tommy Myers, who is out for the season. Noel Thomas caught two touchdown passes, including a 45-yarder on a trick play in the fourth quarter, as UConn held Houston's high-powered offense to 318 total yards - almost 200 under its season average. It also held UConn to just four yards in the third quarter. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound junior's now rushed for 1,188 yards with 17 touchdowns.

Temple will win if: It doesn't fall prey to UConn's defense.

"It's not about me", Rhule said during his interview on the field. We want to go down there and finish the regular season off in the right way. "We'll go through our normal week". Before kickoff there was a tribute to Temple's seniors before their final home game.

Temple won the game with its defense, but running back Jahad Thomas victimized the Huskies for 119 yards and two touchdowns - one for nine yards to open the scoring and another of 60 yards to close Temple's scoring. That drive of under two minutes came off a poor 28-yard punt from Justin Wain, and took just four plays - three by Thomas - to hit paydirt.

With the way Temple's defense was playing, that was more than enough of a cushion. They managed just 138 total offensive yards - 129 through the air and nine rushing yards. Highlighted by David Hood breaking loose for a 17 yard gain, they marched 51 yards on 13 plays to set up in Husky territory.

The Huskies added a late field goal to avoid the shutout, but the Owl's blanked the Huskies all night.

But Matakevich said the message remains the same as it has all year.