The South Florida Bulls and the Temple Owls will scrap it out at Lincoln Financial Field on Friday, October 21st, at 7:00 p.m. ET. The event will be broadcast on the ESPN Network. The Bulls are a -6.5 point favorite coming into this match-up and the total is set at 60 points.
South Florida defeated Connecticut 42-27 in the Sun Shine State last Saturday. Bull’s Quarterback Quinton Flowers threw for to scores and ran for three more on his way to winning the AAC offensive player of the week.
South Florida (6-1):
There is no question that Quinton Flowers is the engine that makes the Bull’s offensive machine run. The do-it-all quarterback is putting together some impressive numbers in 2016. So far this season, flowers has passed for over 1,500 yards and threw for 13 scores and only five interceptions. The shifty signal-caller has also scooted his way to a team high 655 yards on 94 carries and another seven touchdowns.
When Quinton Flowers isn’t tucking and running the ball, Marlon Mack is getting the call out of the back field. Mack has contributed 84 carries for nearly 600 yards and nine touchdowns. D’Ernest Johnson also has over 300 yards rushing and another four trips to the end zone.
Unquestionably, Rodney Adams is the wide out that Quinton Flowers likes to throw to the most. The shifty receiver has reeled in over 30 passes from Flowers for 459 yards and four scores. Running back D’Ernest Johnson has another four touchdowns receiving the ball.
The weakness of this 6-1 team is on the defensive side of the ball. Unfortunately, they rank towards to bottom of the FBS in most major categories. The Bulls defense can be exploited on the ground, giving up 190.1 yards rushing per game. They also rank 59th in the country, surrendering almost 26 points a contest.
Temple (4-3):
The Owls earned a 26-25 victory over Central Florida last weekend. Quarterback Phillip Walker tossed the rock for two scores and tail back Jahad Thomas rumbled for 120 yards and another touchdown.
Head signal-caller Phillip Walker has proven he can win some games, but has also proven he can lose them for the Owls. Coming into this match-up, Walker has thrown for over 1,500 yards and 10 scores, but has also served-up 10 interceptions. A few of those untimely picks have cost Temple dearly.
The Owls like to stay balanced on offense and like to pound the rock to soften up the front seven. Running backs Ryquell Armstead and Jahad Thomas share that responsibility equally. Together, the two have racked up over 150 carries for for over 750 yards. Both backs have reached the back of the end zone seven times.
Four Temple wide receivers share the wealth that is distributed from quarterback Phillip Walker. As a whole, they have 65 grabs for well over 900 yards and nine touchdown catches. Running back Jahad Thomas is second on the team with 251 yards receiving and three scores via the pass.
The Owls defense can hold their own with anybody in the nation. It has been difficult for opposing teams to move the ball against Temple in 2016. The Owl’s defensive squad is ranked 17th in the country in total defense, allowing only 316 yards a game.
Trends and Notes:
The Bulls are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 conference games.
The Owls are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
The Under is 15-5-1 in the Bulls last 21 road games.
The Over is 4-1 in the Owls last 5 games overall.
Game Prediction:
South Florida has the ACC title in it’s sights and are playing some impressive football since the defeat to Florida State. This match-up against the Owls is a must win if they want to keep their major bowl hopes alive.
Temple tends to get greedy with the yards and points, giving in to only only 23 per game. Most of the time, their balanced offense gives their D a chance to rest and put a few scores on the board in the meantime.
If Quinton Flowers can get going, the Bulls should be able to put up enough points to leave Philadelphia with a victory. On the flip side, the Owls like to keep it low scoring and close, so stopping Flowers will be their main agenda.
The experts here at Get More Sports think that Temple will hang around on their home ground, but there’s just to much offensive talent to overcome on Friday. The good news for Temple fans is that the Bull’s defense should allow the Owls to hang around. South Florida should win but we suggest you take the Owls and the +6.5.
