Temple (7-2, 4-1 Mid-American Conference) won its 10th straight home game to tie a school record and posted back-to-back shutouts for the first time since blanking Connecticut and Xavier during the 1971 season.
"This team has matured," Temple defensive coordinator Mark D'Onofrio said. "They're focused and locked in, and want to get better everyday. They're not worried about the opponent."
The Owls led 6-0 at halftime on two of Brandon McManus' three field goals, then pounced in the second half.
Five plays after Zack Campbell's punt return put Temple on the Zips' 37 yard line, Jackson caught a pass from Mike Gerardi at the 6 and raced into the end zone for a 10-yard score.
"It was exciting," Jackson said. "I've been waiting all season for the opportunity."
Gerardi, making his second start for the Owls, completed 15 of 22 passes for 209 yards and a touchdown.
Temple scored twice more in the fourth quarter. Wide receiver Rod Streater scored on a 24-yard reverse, and Bernard Pierce ran in from 8 yards out.
The Zips fell to 0-9 under first-year coach Rob Ianello, 0-4 in the MAC. They produced just 154 yards of total offense, 20 on the ground. The offense brought the ball across midfield only once in the game.