The Temple Owls defeated the Wyoming Cowboys in the New Mexico Bowl today to earn their ninth win of the season, second Bowl victory in school history, and the first since 1979. The Owls defeated the Cowboys by a final score of 37-15 and if not for a garbage touchdown and two-point conversion for Wyoming with three seconds remaining the score would've been even more impressive. This game was over before it started, as Temple dominated from start to finish. They easily covered the seven-point spread.
The Owls rushed for 255 yards and running back Bernard Pierce had yet another 100 yard game. However; given the explosiveness of Temple's rush offense, combined with the normally inept run defense of Wyoming, Temple's running game was shut down relative to the circumstance. Temple was two yards off their average of 257 rushing yards per game, and Wyoming was near their season average of rushing yards allowed at 230.
Junior running back Bernard Pierce was the star yet again, rushing for 100 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries. He was well below his season averages in yards per carry and total yards, but impressed nonetheless. He wore the Cowboys' D down from beginning to end. The question is whether or not Pierce will return for his senior season, or declare for the NFL draft. Backup running back Matt Brown rushed for 49 yards and a touchdown. The 5'5" backup could be Pierce's replacement should he leave for the Pros. Brown had had 867 yards rushing during the regular season, on 6.1 yards per carry.
Back-to-back eight win seasons for Temple and a Bowl win now under their belt, they could be a program to watch out for in the MAC for next season.
For more on the New Mexico Bowl, stay tuned to our storystream, or visit the Bowl Game's official website. For more on Temple football, visit our team page.