Temple University Athletics
Saturday, November 19
Yulman Stadium - New Orleans, LA
3:30 p.m.
Temple University
8-3 , 6-1
31
at
0
Tulane
3-8 , 0-7
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
F
Temple
7
3
14
7
31
Tulane
0
0
0
0
0
Football Dominant in Shutout of Tulane, 31-0
11.19.16 | Football
NEW ORLEANS — With senior QB Phillip Walker breaking off serious yardage through the air to supplement a smothering defensive effort, Temple continued to control its own conference destiny in a solid 31-0 shutout victory over Tulane Saturday afternoon at Yulman Stadium.
With the win, the Owls improve to 8-3 (6-1 American) on the season, good for first in the East Division with just one game remaining. Paired with the 21-0 victory two weeks ago over UConn, blanking the Green Wave marked the first back-to-back shutout wins since October 2011 when Temple did the same to Ball State and Buffalo. The Owls now have not been scored upon for 10 straight quarters.
Choked up early in the ground game by a relentless Green Wave defensive front, Temple turned to Walker and the Owls' air raid for production. The four-year starter found his stride quickly, hitting 10-of-22 for 223 yards in the first half alone.
The senior's primary target throughout the matchup: sophomore WR Ventell Bryant, who grabbed nine receptions for a career-best 168 yards and one touchdown. On multiple occasions, Bryant pulled in passes over 20-yards, including one that set up the opening two-yard score for senior RB Jahad Thomas.
Meanwhile, the usually potent rushing attack suffered despite persistent attempts against the Tulane defense, even faltering at the goal line during a fourth-down try early in the second quarter.
Even though the offense struggled moving the ball with consistency during the first half, the Owls' defense remained as resilient as ever. The unit pressured Tulane into uncomfortable situations drive after drive, forcing seven three-and-outs in addition to the shutout on the scoreboard.
The second half saw similar results, particularly from the defensive side of the ball. However, the offense woke up as Walker manufactured a number of scoring possessions during the final two quarters.
First, the senior quarterback led a 73-yard, 14-play drive that culminated with a 12-yard toss to Bryant for a touchdown. A quick three-and-out from the defense allowed the momentum to stick with the Owls, and the offense capitalized.
In a much shorter five-play possession, two critical pass plays helped put Temple into the end zone. Freshman Isaiah Wright started things off two snaps in, grabbing a 30-yard pass up the centerline before a screen to Thomas saw the senior weave 42-yards for his second score.
Lastly, midway through the final period, the Owls' ground game finally found its footing, as a slew of ball carriers picked up 84 yards on a 10-play drive. Wright capped the grind-it-out possession with authority, bursting through the Tulane center for a 22-yard touchdown.
Walker was able to close the game 18-for-33 through the air for 337 yards and two scores. After weeks of utilizing what seemed-to-be an unstoppable ground game, the senior quarterback proved the Owls are as much a threat when he drops back to throw as when he hands the ball off.
Up next, Temple aims to clinch the American Athletic East Division in its final matchup of the season, a home battle against East Carolina. A win would give the Owls a second consecutive trip to the conference championship game. Meanwhile, Tulane also closes out its year as it takes to the road for a game with UConn.
Video Highlights | Box Score | Coach Rhule Press Conference | Game Action Gallery | Post-Game Quotes
With the win, the Owls improve to 8-3 (6-1 American) on the season, good for first in the East Division with just one game remaining. Paired with the 21-0 victory two weeks ago over UConn, blanking the Green Wave marked the first back-to-back shutout wins since October 2011 when Temple did the same to Ball State and Buffalo. The Owls now have not been scored upon for 10 straight quarters.
Choked up early in the ground game by a relentless Green Wave defensive front, Temple turned to Walker and the Owls' air raid for production. The four-year starter found his stride quickly, hitting 10-of-22 for 223 yards in the first half alone.
The senior's primary target throughout the matchup: sophomore WR Ventell Bryant, who grabbed nine receptions for a career-best 168 yards and one touchdown. On multiple occasions, Bryant pulled in passes over 20-yards, including one that set up the opening two-yard score for senior RB Jahad Thomas.
Meanwhile, the usually potent rushing attack suffered despite persistent attempts against the Tulane defense, even faltering at the goal line during a fourth-down try early in the second quarter.
Even though the offense struggled moving the ball with consistency during the first half, the Owls' defense remained as resilient as ever. The unit pressured Tulane into uncomfortable situations drive after drive, forcing seven three-and-outs in addition to the shutout on the scoreboard.
The second half saw similar results, particularly from the defensive side of the ball. However, the offense woke up as Walker manufactured a number of scoring possessions during the final two quarters.
First, the senior quarterback led a 73-yard, 14-play drive that culminated with a 12-yard toss to Bryant for a touchdown. A quick three-and-out from the defense allowed the momentum to stick with the Owls, and the offense capitalized.
In a much shorter five-play possession, two critical pass plays helped put Temple into the end zone. Freshman Isaiah Wright started things off two snaps in, grabbing a 30-yard pass up the centerline before a screen to Thomas saw the senior weave 42-yards for his second score.
Lastly, midway through the final period, the Owls' ground game finally found its footing, as a slew of ball carriers picked up 84 yards on a 10-play drive. Wright capped the grind-it-out possession with authority, bursting through the Tulane center for a 22-yard touchdown.
Walker was able to close the game 18-for-33 through the air for 337 yards and two scores. After weeks of utilizing what seemed-to-be an unstoppable ground game, the senior quarterback proved the Owls are as much a threat when he drops back to throw as when he hands the ball off.
Up next, Temple aims to clinch the American Athletic East Division in its final matchup of the season, a home battle against East Carolina. A win would give the Owls a second consecutive trip to the conference championship game. Meanwhile, Tulane also closes out its year as it takes to the road for a game with UConn.
Video Highlights | Box Score | Coach Rhule Press Conference | Game Action Gallery | Post-Game Quotes
Team Stats
TEM
TLN
Total Yards
533
142
Pass Yards
337
24
Rushing Yards
196
118
Penalty Yards
55
50
1st Downs
26
8
3rd Downs
13
1
4th Downs
0
0
TOP
40:06
19:54
1st Quarter
TEM 7, TLN 0
TEM - THOMAS,Jahad 2 yd run (BOUMERHI,Aaron kick), 4 plays, 34 yards, TOP 1:47
2nd Quarter
TEM 10, TLN 0
TEM - BOUMERHI,Aaron 32 yd field goal 10 plays, 63 yards, TOP 2:29
3rd Quarter
TEM 17, TLN 0
TEM - BRYANT,Ventell 12 yd pass from WALKER,Phillip (BOUMERHI,Aaron kick) 14 plays, 73 yards, TOP 7:30
TEM 24, TLN 0
TEM - THOMAS,Jahad 42 yd pass from WALKER,Phillip (BOUMERHI,Aaron kick) 5 plays, 78 yards, TOP 2:39
4th Quarter
TEM 31, TLN 0
TEM - WRIGHT,Isaiah 22 yd run (BOUMERHI,Aaron kick), 10 plays, 84 yards, TOP 5:12
Game Leaders
CMP
18
TD
2
YDS
337
INT
0
Players Mentioned
WR
/ Football
RB
/ FootballQB
/ Football
WR
/ FootballDante Atton, 10/27/25
Monday, October 27
Carl Hardin, 10/27/25
Monday, October 27
K.C. Keeler, 10/27/25
Monday, October 27
Demerick Morris, 10/25/25
Monday, October 27
