Temple's dominant 49-10 victory over Tulane on Saturday nearly thrust the team into the national spotlight.
The Owls, who are off to their first 5-0 start since 1974, came in at 26th overall in this week's AP college football poll, just one position out of the Top 25. Temple hasn't been ranked since 1979, when it finished 17th in the polls and won the Garden State Bowl.
Returning to the Linc Saturday after three consecutive wins on the road, Temple had little trouble with Tulane (see game story). The Owls' defense shut the Green Wave out in the second half, recorded two third-quarter interceptions and picked up four sacks in the game while stopping 13 of Tulane's 15 third-down attempts.
On offense, Owls quarterback P.J. Walker went 11 of 15 for 183 yards and two touchdowns. Freshman running back Ryquell Armstead, in his first career start, found the end zone twice and Jahad Thomas ran for 54 yards and finished with two scores — one in the air, one on the ground.
Overall, Temple has earned points in 19 consecutive quarters and is outscoring opponents, 75-6, in the third quarter alone this season.
On the defensive side of the ball, Temple's nine interceptions are tops in the American Athletic Conference and 12th in the nation this season. The defense is allowing just 14.4 points per game, good for 13th in the NCAA.
Next up for the Owls is a home game against Central Florida at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.