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Temple vs Houston preview, predictions, betting odds, live stream info

By Cody Williams

Nov 27, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars quarterback Greg Ward Jr. (1) attempts a pass during the fourth quarter against the Navy Midshipmen at TDECU Stadium. The Cougars defeated the Midshipmen 52-31. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars quarterback Greg Ward Jr. (1) attempts a pass during the fourth quarter against the Navy Midshipmen at TDECU Stadium. The Cougars defeated the Midshipmen 52-31. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Temple Owls vs. Houston Cougars

The Houston Cougars got a big win last week against Navy to earn their spot in the American Athletic Conference Championship Game where they’ll be playing at home at TDECU Stadium against the Temple Owls, a team who has enjoyed almost unprecedented success of their own this season.

Greg Ward Jr. has been phenomenal at quarterback for the Cougars this season and is getting back to health just at the right time as he helped Houston take down Navy and will now be at the helm for this game. He and Demarcus Ayers will be the stars for the Cougars in this one like they have been all year. Meanwhile, running back Jahad Thomas leads the way for the Owls, but they’ll also need a solid game from P.J. Walker at quarterback if they want to keep the pace with Houston in this matchup.

Details for Saturday’s game are below:

Date: Saturday, Dec. 4
Start Time: Noon ET
Location: Houston, TX
Stadium: TDECU Stadium
TV Info: ABC
Live Stream: WatchESPN
Radio: Here
Ticket information: Click here

Keys to Victory

Temple is going to have to keep up with Houston’s offense in this game as the Cougars are one of the most prolific offensive teams in the entire country. Subsequently, running back Jahad Thomas having a big game for the Owls is going to be so huge in terms of their success. He’s averaged 4.8 yards per carry this season and has found the end zone 17 times. However, he’s going to need to be even better than that if he wants to keep the Owls in this game.

The key for Houston in the matchup for the AAC title is going to be their star receiver in Demarcus Ayers. As they’ve done so often this season, they’re going to need to continue to get him involved in the offense in virtually every way possible. Moreover, the Cougars are going to need quarterback Greg Ward Jr. to get into a rhythm both in terms of throwing the ball and moving the ball on the ground. If those things both happen, Houston should have a big day.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Houston -5.5
Moneyline: Houston -215, Temple +185
O/U: 54

Prediction

The Houston Cougars are just such a dynamic team when Ward is healthy and running the show. Temple is by no means a slouch opponent, but I don’t think that they have the firepower to match up with the Cougars, thus giving Houston the AAC title.

Final Score: Temple Owls: 34, Houston Cougars: 42

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