The Owls, led by fourth-year head coach Al Golden, compete in the East Division of the Mid-American Conference and played their home games at Lincoln Financial Field.

They finished the season 8–4, 5–3 in MAC play and were the only team with more than 6 wins to not be invited to a bowl game.

Villanova did not punt until the fourth quarter, but Temple's victory, aided by missed field goals and interceptions, was sealed very late in the game.

Then, in a wild finish, Villanova's attempt to win the game ended with Temple running a fumble back for the final points to set the score at 31–24 which belied the wild play seen late in the fourth.

Upsetting reigning MAC champion Central Michigan, who finished ranked last year, the Owls were in control for three and a half quarters until a late field goal made it a tied ballgame, but Temple retook control in overtime to set themselves at their first 2–0 start in years.