Temple beats UConn, heads to American title game

PHILADELPHIA -- Temple players got tired of losing, and coach Matt Rhule made them believe they could win. Jahad Thomas ran for 129 yards and two touchdowns and P.J. Walker threw for 160 yards and a score to help the No. 25 Owls beat UConn 27-3 on Saturday night and secure a spot in the American Athletic Conference's inaugural championship game. "We had so many guys step up," Rhule said. "I'm just really proud of our guys. Perseverance conquers." Romond Deloatch caught a touchdown for the Owls, who will play at Houston (No. 21 AP) for the American conference title on Saturday with a New Year's Six bowl bid possibly at stake for the winner. Temple (10-2, 7-1, No. 25 CFP) reached 10 wins for just the second time in program history, capping a three-year turnaround under Rhule that now includes winning the American East Division. The Owls were 10-2 in 1979.