The Temple Owls took the Mayor's Cup in convincing fashion on Friday night, blowing out FBS rival Villanova, 41-10.
The Owls overpowered 'Nova on the ground, rushing for more than 300 yards as they put it away early in the second half. Matt Brown led all Owls rushers with 18 carries for 141 yards, averaging nearly eight yards per carry. A big 56-yard touchdown burst in the final 30 seconds of the first half really sealed things up and deflated the Wildcats as the teams went to the locker room.
The 28-10 halftime lead would be more than enough for Temple, as their defense clamped down in the second to keep Villanova off the board. Kenneth Harper, who racked up 51 yards on just five carries, broke one open for a 36-yard scamper less than three minutes into the third quarter. The long run came on top of Brown's big run before the intermission to add to a night of quick strike big plays that ensured the Owls avoided the upset.
For more on Temple football, visit SB Nation Philly and Big East Coast Bias. To commiserate with Wildcats fans,
check out VUHoops.