Undefeated Temple Ranked in AP Top 25 Poll for the First time in 36 Years

Ryquell Armstead (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

The Temple Owls football team continues to make history in its successful start to the 2015-2016 season with a No. 22 ranking in the AP Top 25 Poll for the first time in 36 years. They are also No. 24 in the Amways Coaches Poll.

The Owls are currently 6-0, including a stunning victory over Penn State in their first contest of the season.

Temple defeated the University of Central Florida in a sound 30-16 victory on Saturday. Junior running back Jahad Thomas, recorded 31 carries, 199 yards, and a career high of three touchdowns to help secure the win. Sophomore defensive back Sean Chandler had a game changing interception in the third-quarter while the Owls were down 16-14 to stop the Knights offense. The sophomore is ranked across five of the American Athletic Conference’s defensive categories.

Both Chandler and Thomas received American Athletic Conference weekly honors for their play on Saturday. Senior linebacker Tyler Matakevich also had a historic night as he made his 400th career tackle. Matakevich, finished with eight tackles, three solo, and a late interception with under five minutes remaining in the game to maintain the 30-16 lead.

Temple faces tough opponents over the course of the season including American Athletic Conference opponent, Memphis. Memphis currently ranks higher than Temple at No. 18 after a 37-24 victory over no. 24 Ole Miss. Temple faces Memphis on Saturday, November 21. On Thursday, the Owls hope to continue their unbeaten streak as they travel to East Carolina University to face the Pirates. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. on ESPN2.