USF Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017

This is the game that ended the dream for South Florida in 2016. The Bulls went to Philadelphia to face Temple in what ultimately proved to be the de facto AAC East championship game. That October contest saw the Owls bulldoze the Bulls for over 300 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground. Temple took the contest 46-30 and never looked back, winning the American Athletic Conference crown in an quasi-upset of Navy.

The Owls, though, have their own rebuilding project at hand. Head coach Matt Rhule has left Philly to take the Baylor gig. Starting quarterback Phillip Walker is also gone from the Owls roster, having exhausted his eligibility. The defense must also replace seven starters from one of the stingiest groups in the country last year.

South Florida, though, must also take on Temple on a second straight short week. The Owls will be making a similar run of three games in 12 days, so there is no inherent disadvantage in reduced rest. The Friday-night battle will be must-see television.

PREDICTION: South Florida 31, Temple 27 (5-0)

Temple will have a hard time keeping Quinton Flowers in check as much as they did last year. Flowers finished last season’s game with just 187 passing yards and was held under 100 rushing yards for one of just five times all season. This time he should get at least 250 passing yards and 100 rushing as he leads the Bulls to a hard-fought win over their recent nemesis.