Running back Jay Ducker running through UTSA’s defense on Oct. 23. | LILLIAN PRIETO / THE TEMPLE NEWS
Temple surpassed three wins for the first time since 2019 following its blowout win against Charlotte on Oct. 18. The Owls are now 4-3 and have the chance to build on their momentum after being picked to finish last in the American Conference preseason poll in July.
The Owls are now two wins away from being eligible to participate in a bowl game, something they have also not done since 2019. With five games remaining, there is a chance Temple will play football in December. Next up for Temple is Tulsa, which joins Charlotte at the bottom of the American.
The Golden Hurricane hold a 2-5 record, but they played three teams at the top of the conference, making them seem worse than they truly are. A win on Saturday puts Temple one step closer to a bowl game, but it can’t take Tulsa lightly based on its current record.
“We have to make sure that we bring our intensity and are locked in,” said head coach K.C. Keeler. “It’s a great opportunity for us. When you put the tape on, you can see that they’ve done some really good things at times. It’s just that they have played a pretty tough schedule.”
Here is everything you need to know before Temple’s game Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
RUN LIKE THE WIND
Temple’s offense has found success in the passing game, with 18 touchdowns through the air, tied for first in the American. However, the run game has also been crucial for the Owls this season and may be more of a factor against Tulsa. The Golden Hurricane’s rushing defense has been their weakness, allowing 193.6 yards per game, the fourth most in the American.
Temple running back Jay Ducker could be problematic for Tulsa as he has accumulated 560 total rushing yards, which is fifth-best in the American. Ducker only had nine carries against Charlotte but turned them into 114 yards.
Ducker is coming off back-to-back games of 90 rushing yards or more. Temple has also rushed for 100 yards in three straight games. If the trend continues, Temple has the opportunity to take control of the game against Tulsa’s poor run defense.
TURNOVERS ARE GOLDEN
Temple has been one of the best teams in the country when it comes to protecting the ball and forcing turnovers. The Owls are tied for the third-best turnover margin in the country at nine. They have 10 takeaways while giving the ball away once, which is tied for the least in the country.
Tulsa’s defense has not been as fortunate in the turnover category. The Golden Hurricane has a minus four turnover margin, ranking tied for 107th in the country. They have struggled keeping possession of the ball, coughing it up 12 times.
The Owls forced three Charlotte turnovers, returning two for touchdowns. Temple’s ability to keep possession of the ball while playing an offense prone to making mistakes will make the turnover battle crucial to winning.
“My thing is if you win the turnover battle in college football, you win over 70% of your games,” Keeler said. “So it was a big catapult. It’s a really important thing.”
ON TULSA
Temple is in a similar position as last week as it is up against a team in the basement of the American. Tulsa is 0-4 in conference play with just two wins on the year.
Tulsa averages 20 points per game, the third-worst mark in the American. Quarterback Baylor Hayes leads the offense with 1,038 passing yards and six touchdowns. Tight end Brody Foley and wide receiver Zion Booker have led the team in receiving yards and recorded four and two touchdowns, respectively. Running back Dominic Richardson has also been crucial, ranking 32nd in the country in rushing yards with 587 and two scores.
The Golden Hurricane defense has allowed 40 points per game in conference play. Linebacker Ray Coney has 76 tackles on the season, nearly 30 more than the player with next most tackles. Defensive line J’Dan Burnett‘s 6.5 sacks leads Tulsa, while cornerback Elijah Green has five interceptions.
“It looks like they’re getting better every week,” said right tackle Diego Barajas. “We’re not going to treat them any different because of their record. So we’re gonna keep the same preparation. We want to win in this conference, so we’re going to treat Tulsa as such and we’re going to go out there and execute and then get this one.”
SPOILER ALERT
Colin Schofield, Co-Sports Editor — “Temple is facing a Tulsa team that is better than its record shows due to a tough schedule so it can’t afford to take this game lightly. The Owls should be able to take advantage of a poor Golden Hurricane rush defense and get running back Jay Ducker going. This is a Temple team becoming more confident as the weeks go on and should handle Tulsa, although it will not be easy.”
Temple wins 31-24
Sienna Conaghan, Co-Sports Editor — “Temple is entering this game feeling good about itself after its blowout win against Charlotte. The Owls should take down Tulsa, but they can’t undermine the Golden Hurricane or play down to their level. Temple has improved each week and I expect this game to go in its favor.”
Temple wins 38-21
Jacob Moreno, Assistant Sports Editor — “Temple must exploit a lackluster Tulsa run defense if it hopes to win its second consecutive game. If the Owls increase their rushing volume, their offense should have little issue finding success. Temple must also play consistently from start to finish as it did against Charlotte last week. If accomplished, the Owls will win their fifth game of the season.”
Temple wins 33-20
Xavier Johnson, Sports Engagement Editor — “If Temple can give 100% effort the entire game while feeding the ball to Hunter Smith against a weak Tulsa defensive run game, it has a chance to win. Tulsa needs to play hard nose football and physically out-work Temple in order to win.”
Temple wins 21-14
