The UConn Huskies look to get back on track and return to an even record against the Temple Owls on Saturday, Oct. 10.
While their offense and defense have improved with each passing week, the Huskies haven't helped themselves. Offensively, consistency has been an issue, and defensively the team has appeared vulnerable against the pass. This should be another close battle and a tough challenge for the Huskies, who enter the game as slight underdogs on the road.
Get ready for the game with our matchup preview and a review of last week!
Matchup Review & Keys to the Game
Takeaways from Syracuse's loss
UConn football's comeback falls short in overtime loss, 42-41
Temple is favored by -3.5. Last weekend, Connecticut beat a 6.5-point spread with its 20-point comeback to force overtime. while Temple upset USF. Both teams enter with a 2-3 record.
Last time UConn and Temple met, in 2024 at the Rent, the Huskies appeared to have a victory in their grasp until a late Owls drive got them to the goal-line, threatening to win. A fumble recovered by Jordan Wright saved the day as the Huskies won eight games that regular season.
In Week 5, the Owls defeated South Florida 17-13 to end their three-game losing streak. Quarterback Ajani Sheppard completed nine of 14 (64.3%) passes for 92 yards and a touchdown. Sheppard is seen as a dual-threat gunslinger who throws short and runs the ball. The Rutgers transfer averaged 6.6 passing yards and led the program with 87 rushing yards and an endzone appearance.
"I'd be careful putting this guy in a box; [he] is a tough runner," Head Coach Jason Candle. "They're doing a good job planning. So, we'll straighten the offense, be efficient and be effective."
As for the running back room, Keveun Mason tops the team with 361 yards while Sheppard also delivers a running threat. Over the past five weeks, the Owls have finished games with three or more players rushing for 20-plus yards. Against South Florida added 69 yards for this run-first squad.
Defensively, Temple gives up an average of 375.6 yards (91st) and 24.8 points (78th) per game. So far, linebacker Curly Ordonez leads the Owls with 50 tackles (33 solo, 17 assisted).
