USF vs. Temple Prediction, Game Preview
USF vs. Temple prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the matchup between the Bulls and Owls.
USF vs. Temple prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the matchup between the Bulls and Owls.
USF vs. Temple Game Preview
When: Friday, October 21 – 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
TV Broadcast: ESPN
If you have been reading the USF previews this season (thanks for that, by the way), you will know where I’m going with the Bulls: it is Quinton Flowers’ team. The Bulls defeated UConn as Flowers combined for five touchdowns (two passing, three running) and improved to 6-1 on the season. Flowers’ performance earned him AAC offensive player of the week honors.
Temple came away with a big, 26-25 road win against UCF. Quarterback Phillip Walker threw for two touchdowns, while running back Jahad Thomas led the ground attack with 120 yards and a touchdown. With the win, the Owls improved to 4-3.
What To Know About USF
Flowers should be receiving some consideration for AAC Player of the Year, as he has scored a combined 20 touchdowns (13 passing, 7 rushing) while leading the Bulls in rushing yards as well. When it isn’t Flowers getting into the end zone, running back Marlon Mack has been trustworthy to carry the ball for six, having now rushed for nine touchdowns. The Temple defense will be difficult to move the ball against, as the Owls are No. 17 in the nation in total defense, allowing only 316.6 yards per game.
What to Know About Temple
Walker can win the game for you and lose the game for you at the quarterback position. Coming in, he has thrown for both 10 touchdowns and 10 interceptions and is completing only 56% of his passes. He benefits from having two sturdy backs in Thomas and Ryquell Armstead, who have both rushed for seven touchdowns this season. The Bulls defense can be exploited on the ground, giving up 190.1 yards rushing per game.
Advantages
Offense: USF. If it wasn’t for Houston’s Greg Ward Jr., Flowers would be the premier star of the AAC.
Defense: Temple. The Owls are greedy with the yards and points, allowing only 23 points per game.
Special Teams: USF. Kicker Emilio Nadelman has been busy, making all 42 extra point attempts this season.
Coaching: USF. Willie Taggart was able to get the Bulls refocused after the defeat to FSU. They have not lost since.
Intangibles: USF. The Bulls can put themselves in great position to win the AAC East with a win.
Matchup To Watch
Quinton Flowers vs. Temple defense
Strength on strength, Flowers will look to pass and run around and over the Owls defense. He’s a one-man highlight reel.
USF vs. Temple Betting Odds
Spread: USF -6.5
Over/Under: 60
USF vs. Temple Prediction
The Bulls are playing some good football right now, but this matchup against Temple in Philadelphia is ripe for a slip up. If Flowers can get going, USF should have no problem, but the Owls like to keep it low scoring and close, so stopping Flowers will be the main concern. Luckily for USF, they have Mack at running back as well. Temple will hang around, but it’s too much of the Bulls in the end as USF gets closer to an AAC East title.
USF vs. Temple Score Prediction: USF 31, Temple 27
