Who is Temple?

The Bulls hit the road for their second Big East game of the season and they will be making a trip to the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia, as they face Temple (game begins at high noon, so get up early).  At 2-3 (0-1) the Bulls are looking to get back to winning after the 3-game losing streak, but Temple poses a new challenge to a team that is struggling right now.

Temple, joining the Big East and replacing WVU this season, use to be part of the conference before USF was eve here. From 1991 to 2004, Temple was in the Big East, but was forced out by leadership in Providence due to the poor attendance for its games, the lack of competitiveness, and the lack of funding by its leadership. From 2005 to 2006, Temple was independent before it joined the MAC conference in 2007. In 2011, Temple went 9-5 (5-3), beating Wyoming in only its 4th bowl appearance in program history.

Temple, coming off of two straight losses after winning their opener vs. Villanova, will be eager to get their return to the Big East started off right (1-2 on the year).  The Owls are averaging 27 points per game, allowing just 23 points per game.  They average 155 yards on the ground per game, but do allow 176 on the ground per game.  For the USF offense that has struggled to get anything on the ground this season on a consistent basis, could find some better running lanes in this one.  The Owls are only averaging 122 yards a game through the air, while allowing 220 per game to the opponent.  Temple has to run the game, keep the clock on their side, but they can be attacked over the top and out run at the skill positions, something the Bulls have to take advantage of.

This is going to be a real test for the Bulls coming off of an emotional game last week against FSU.  They are on the road, facing a team and stadium they have never dealt with, and now have to get back into the Big East war.  This is another gut check for the Bulls to see if this team will be competitive in the conference this season.