Memphis vs. Temple: Full highlights, final score and more

The Temple Owls bounced back with an impressive defensive effort against the No. 21 Memphis Tigers.

The Temple Owls took a big step towards an AAC title and potential New Years Six Bowl with a dominating 31-12 win over the No. 21 Memphis Tigers on Saturday at Lincoln Financial Field.

Temple moved the ball deep into Memphis territory on its first two drives, but was kept off the scoreboard by turning the ball over twice. Memphis responded with nearly a 90-yard drive starting on its own 1 to take a 3-0 lead near the end of the first.

After struggling for much of the season, the Memphis defense was able to keep the Tigers in the game for much of the contest. A failed Temple fourth down attempt on its own 45 early in the second led to another Tigers field goal and a 6-0 lead.

The Owls finally were able to finish a drive midway through the second on a 13-yard touchdown pass from P.J. Walker to Romond Deloatch. A 49-yard catch and run by Brandon Shippen set up a David Hood touchdown to extend the Temple lead to 14-6.

Another Memphis field goal would make the score 14-9 at the half, but the Owls’ defense appeared to have returned to its previously elite form. After being shredded by South Florida a week ago, Temple was able to hold one of the most efficient offenses in the nation to 154 total yards in the first half. Quarterback Paxton Lynch appeared to injure his ankle on a play late in the half, and looked hobbled for the rest of the game.

That excellent defensive effort continued in the second half, as Memphis was only able to put up three points in the third despite having excellent field position twice following a blocked punt and another failed fourth down conversion. Walker then led an impressive touchdown drive down the field to take a 21-12 lead, capped off by a 13-yard misdirection run from tight end Kip Patton.

Temple chewed up nearly the entire fourth quarter on two separate drives to pull away and win 31-12. Memphis was held to just 233 total yards and was unable to find the end zone in three red zone trips

Three Stars

Tyler Matakevich, LB, Temple: Led outstanding defensive effort and became seventh player in FBS history with four seasons of at least 100 tackles.

Tavon Young, CB, Temple: Helped slow down the prolific Memphis passing attack and made a number of huge tackles in run support despite suffering a minor injury in the first half.

P.J. Walker, QB, Temple. Following his worst game of the season against South Florida, completed 14 of 26 passes for 261 yards and two touchdowns. Added 49 yards on the ground, including a pair of key third down conversions.

Highlights

Odds

Temple came in as a 1.5 point underdog and won outright.

Next Week

Temple will try to clinch the AAC East with a home win over UConn. Memphis will try to end a three-game skid at home against SMU.