East Carolina (4-4): L to Temple, 24-14
East Carolina fell to Temple Thursday night despite outgaining its opponent, making more first downs, and winning the time of possession battle. Junior quarterback Blake Kemp, a strong-armed playmaker, threw for 272 yards and a touchdown against a tough Temple defense. The Pirates were lucky their two turnovers didn't lead to scores, but they still represent lost scoring opportunities and don't help in the battle for field position.
Overall, the Pirates posted a good offensive outing, especially considering the competition. The team has four dangerous wide receivers and a very shifty running back in Chris Hairston. Junior receiver Isaiah Jones leads the team with 61 receptions for 701 yards this year after putting up over 100 yards for the third time this season against Temple.
ECU has a good defense as well. It will not be easy for UConn to cure its offensive woes on Friday night when the Pirates visit PAWS ARF.
Tulane (2-5): L to Navy, 31-14
Tulane actually held it closer than many would have expected against Navy. The Midshipmen only held a three-point lead going into the half but managed to pull away late for the win in Annapolis. Interestingly enough, SB Nation has Tulane projected to go bowling thanks to a friendly finish to its schedule. The Green Wave are still a beatable team for UConn and, in all honesty, the Huskies need to beat them. While a bowl appearance is unlikely this year, going 0-6 in the second half is not going to be good for anyone.
No. 18 Houston (7-0): W over UCF, 59-10
UCF was really able to keep this game close – for about a quarter. It was tied after 15 minutes, but then the Cougars decided they had warmed up and started playing. There have been whispers about the American champion going to the College Football Playoff if it finishes the season undefeated. Could it be Houston?
No. 21 Temple (7-0): W over ECU, 24-10
A 14-point fourth quarter gave Temple the win this past Thursday night over East Carolina, who took a 14-10 lead into the final quarter. The Pirates' defense did a good job of stuffing the Owls' potent rushing attack, forcing their opponent to pass. Temple succeeded even when pushed out of its element and made the necessary offensive plays through the air to capture the win.
Temple's defense, anchored by Stratford native Tyler Matakevich, gave up a lot of yards but was able to keep points down.
The Owls will host No. 9 Notre Dame this weekend. They will also play Memphis Nov. 21, the weekend before their tilt with UConn, so they will have a tough road to going undefeated, but could still be looking to clinch the American East title when the Huskies come to visit to close out the season.