Jahad Thomas emerging as Temple's go-to back

When Jahad Thomas talks about his role running the football, his defensive mind-set comes through.

He talks about being aggressive, explosive, and violent - three things that the former defensive back has been this season and hopes to be Saturday when Temple (4-2, 2-1 American Athletic Conference) plays a crucial game at Central Florida (4-2, 2-0).

Thomas, who played cornerback last year as a freshman, has split the starting running back job this season with Kenneth Harper and Jamie Gilmore. However, this will mark not only his third start in a row - a clear indication that he has separated himself from the others - but it marks his fourth start this season.

Coach Matt Rhule said earlier this week that Thomas, who's just 5-foot-10 and 170 pounds, was probably the only Temple player who played well last week in a 31-10 loss at Houston. Thomas caught three passes for 150 yards, and he tied quarterback P.J. Walker for the team lead with 49 yards rushing on seven carries.

The week before the Houston game, Thomas rushed for a career-high 152 yards on 14 carries. He also caught a 20-yard touchdown pass in the Owls' 35-24 win over Tulsa. He is the only player in the conference to have both a 100-yard rushing and 100-yard receiving game this season.

Thomas leads the Owls with 307 yards rushing on 46 carries (6.7 yards per carry). He has seven receptions for 216 yards (30.9 yards per reception).

Rhule compares Thomas to the Eagles' diminutive running back Darren Sproles in that the shifty Thomas is capable of making big plays.

Thomas agrees with his coach. However, he is careful to include as many teammates as possible whenever asked about his emergence.

"I do think I am a dynamic player," Thomas said. "If you give me open daylight then I can work with something. Our offensive line - we're always talking and communicating in practice, going over schemes."

Last season, the Owls saw their upset bid of then-No. 15 UCF evaporate when UCF kicker Shawn Moffitt kicked a 23-yard field goal with time expiring. UCF won the game, 39-36.

When: Saturday at 5 p.m.

Where: Bright House Networks Stadium, Orlando

Records: Temple (4-2, 2-1 American Athletic Conference); UCF (4-2, 2-0)

TV: CBS Sports Network; Radio: 97.5 FM

Coaches: Temple, Matt Rhule (2d season, 6-12); UCF, George O'Leary (11th season, 76-58, overall, 128-91).

Series: UCF leads the series, 1-0. In the last meeting, UCF won, 39-36, at Temple, on Nov. 16, 2013.

Three Things to Watch

Four turnovers limited the Owls to possessing the ball for just 17 minutes, 27 seconds last week against Houston.

The Owls will face a team for the second week in a row that applies a lot of defensive pressure. UCF had two interceptions, eight pass break-ups, and 13 quarterback hurries earlier this season against Tulane.

The inexperienced Temple offensive line might be forced to do some shuffling. Injured left tackle Dion Dawkins, who has been solid, might miss the game with an ankle injury.

Three Things You Might Not Know

The Knights have gone 10-0 in the conference over the last two seasons. Dating back to their last season in the Conference USA before joining the AAC, the Knights have won 11 straight conference games.

With just eight seniors on the roster, Temple has the fewest seniors among Football Bowl Subdivision programs. Just five are on the two-deep depth chart, which is also the fewest in the country.

Through six games, the Owls have given up just three points in the fourth quarter. They have not allowed a fourth-quarter touchdown since week 11 (Connecticut) of last season - John N. Mitchell

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