"This proves that this program is here," said Temple coach Steve Addazio, whose squad (9-4) finished the season with four consecutive victories. "We are a legitimate major-college football program.
"We are going to keep growing and have an exciting product for our university, for our city of Philadelphia."
This victory marked the Owls' first bowl win since beating California in the Garden State Bowl in 1979.
Since then, the program was on the decline for 30 seasons before Temple played in the EagleBank Bowl two seasons ago.
Back then, the Owls lost what would have been a statement game to UCLA. And a not so favorable statement was made about the program last season when, despite going 8-4, the Owls didn't get invited to a bowl game.
At the time, the Owls were recognized for struggling in the latter part of seasons and losing to formidable foes.
Not anymore.
"Coming into college, that was my goal," said senior linebacker Tahir Whitehead (11 tackles), who was named the defensive most outstanding player of the game. "I want-ed to compete in bowl games and championships. . . . Though we missed the [Mid-American Conference Championship] this year, the bowl game was considered our championship."
With that, the Owls came in more motivated, and Wyoming (8-5) didn't have a chance.
Temple scored on seven of its eight possessions. The Owls compiled 424 total yards. Their 255 rushing yards are the second-most in the bowl game's history.
Redshirt sophomore quarterback Chris Coyer was named the offensive most outstanding player of the game. Coyer completed 8 of 12 passes for 169 yards, highlighted by a 61-yard touchdown pass to Rod Streater. The Virginia native also rushed for 71 yards in the Owls' first game since the lefthander suffered a game-ending throwing-shoulder injury against Kent State.
