Five Ways USF can Win or Lose this Game to Temple

(Picture: www.gousfbulls.com)

This is going to be a hard fought game for the Bulls as they head up north for the first time this season.  Here are 5 ways they could win this game and also 5 ways they could lose this game.

Five Ways USF can Win this Game

1. Team Speed - There is really no question that USF is the faster team on the field in this game.  Despite having a solid team, Temple doesn't have the speed at the skill positions to match up with USF for the entire game.  The Bulls have to take advantage of this, get the ball to the players in space, and let them chew up the yards and wear down Temple.
2. B.J. Daniels - A constant on these reports.  Daniels got knocked around a bit against FSU and struggled to get the ball down the field.  In this game, against a weaker defense, he needs to settle his feet and execute the offense to the best of his ability.  His legs have given the team big gains, but he needs to get the ball out more and not put so much pressure on himself.
3. Front 4 Pass Rush - Two weeks ago, Ball State was able to sit back and relax against the USF front, but against the Noles, the pressure returned.  Grissom, Mims, and Giddins were everywhere and making big stops and getting in the backfield.  Against a run first team like Temple, they have to get pressure, but not over pursue or Temple can run between the tackles they leave behind and get big gains.  They have to play smart in this one.
4. Senior Leadership - USF is in the midst of a 3-game losing streak and many people are on the ledge that the season is spiraling out of reach for this team.  This is the time the 24 seniors on this roster have to dig deep, rally the team, and come out firing away with nothing to lose.  The Bulls cannot sulk and feel bad for themselves, there are still games left to be played and they have to come out and get it done in this game.
5. Depth - As we eluded to earlier, USF has speed and more importantly depth at the skill positions.  USF will be able to keep fresh legs out there and keep the same team speed on the field for the entire game.  Temple does not have this same depth to match the Bulls and late in the game, USF should still be running and hopefully running away with the score.

Five Ways USF can Lose this Game

1. Road Game - USF has never traveled to Philadelphia for a football game, so facing a new team, new city, and a different style up there, it could be the perfect storm.  USF has to remain focused, not allow themselves to be distracted, and take care of business.  While there is no time change for the team this time around, hitting the road is always hard.
2. Run Style of Temple - Temple loves to run the ball and will try to be the more physical team in this game.  We have seen the defense gashed for big running performances before, so it is vital for the Bulls front 7 to man up on the line and not allow them to get the huge gains in the run game.  If Temple holds onto the ball, burns the clock, and keeps Daniels on the sidelines, it could be a long day.
3. In a Funk - Nobody likes to lose games, and a 3 game streak is not what this team wanted.  After an emotional game against the Noles where they left it all on the field, they could be a little bit down and a let down on the road against a team that is eager to return to Big East play could lead to some bad things on the road.
4. Turnovers - This is key in the game.  USF is one of a few teams that has yet to record an interception and hasn't been able to strip the ball away and swing momentum.  In a game that will have running backs carrying the load, USF has to get to the ball, create turnovers, and get the Temple crowd out of it early if they want to take care of business.
5. Daniels (Pardon the repeat here) - Should just put him in each series, because it makes the most sense.  After a rough game vs. FSU where he got knocked pretty hard, Daniels has to dig deep for this team.  He is the senior leader and the trigger finger for the offense.  If he struggles and gives the ball away, it will be ugly.