Temple coach finds issues amid a blowout win

While Temple football coach Matt Rhule is obviously happy with the 4-0 Owls' quick start, he outlined plenty of areas that need improvement.

Despite a 37-3 win on Friday at Charlotte in a soggy setting, Rhule won't allow his team to get comfortable, especially when the film of the game is reviewed.

The Owls allowed junior running back Kalif Phillips to rush for 125 yards on 19 carries

"He is the best back we played and we really struggled with him," Rhule said during Monday's American Athletic Conference teleconference. "And now we have a lot to prepare for against an outstanding Tulane team."

Temple hosts Tulane (2-2) in Saturday's noon meeting at Lincoln Financial Field.

Rhule said the Owls must tackle better than they did against Charlotte.

"And we put three balls on the ground and I am not excited about that," he said.

Temple lost just one fumble, but that occurred when the score was 37-3, past the midway point of the fourth quarter.

Rhule also felt the field goal protection was subpar against Charlotte. Temple's Austin Jones missed his first field goal of the season (from 36 yards) and later hit a 39-yarder. Jones also missed his first conversion kick of the season.

"We can't miss tackles and give up big plays," Rhule said.

Temple's schedule is difficult, with seven of the final eight against AAC teams. And the lone nonconference game is against Notre Dame.

Temple is facing a Tulane team that is coming off its best game of the season, a 45-31 win over visiting University of Central Florida. The Green Wave, whose coach Curtis Johnson called Temple one of the AAC's best teams, caused five turnovers that led to 28 points.

Besides Temple, three other AAC teams are undefeated - Memphis (5-0), Navy (4-0) and Houston (4-0).

Tulane is in the AAC West Division and Temple is in the East Division, but these games still count on the conference record.

Temple has won three consecutive road games for the first time in school history. The Owls return home for the first time since their opening 27-10 win over Penn State on Sept. 5.

"Our work is really cut out for us," Rhule said. "We are excited to play in front of our fans and hope to play a complete game."

mnarducci@phillynews.com

@sjnard