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Temple at South Florida preview

Thursday's game will be televised by ESPN.

Temple quarterback Logan Marchi runs with the football against UMass.
Temple quarterback Logan Marchi runs with the football against UMass.Read moreYong Kim
    by Marc Narducci | Columnist
    Published 

Records: Temple, 2-1; USF, 3-0

When: Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Raymond James Stadium

TV: ESPN. Radio: WTEL 610-AM.

Coaches: Temple, Geoff Collins (1st season, 2-1); USF, Charlie Strong (1st season, 3-0; overall, 56-37).

History: Temple leads, 2-1.

Last meeting: Temple won, 46-30 on Oct. 21, 2016, at Lincoln Financial Field.

Talking points

  1. Temple will be facing its fourth straight mobile quarterbacks, and USF senior Quinton Flowers may be the most elusive. Flowers still isn't the most accurate passer, having completed 55.6 percent of his passes, but he keys the running game that has multiple threats.

  2. Temple quarterback Logan Marchi has yet to throw an interception in his three starts. Since 1984 Temple has had three quarterbacks who have started a season with at least 100 passing attempts and no interceptions. Walker Washington in 2004 is on top of the list with 109 passes. Marchi is second at 106 and Chester Street in 2010 didn't throw a pick in his first 100 attempts.

  3. USF is known for its big plays and last week's 47-23 win over visiting Illinois a prime example. The Bulls had nine plays of 20 yards or more. The big plays contributed to USF setting a school record with 680 total yards. Due to the big play, the Bulls have scored at least 30 points in 20 straight games, the best current streak in the nation.

  4. Temple redshirt freshman defensive end Quincy Roche is coming off a dominating performance in last week's 29-21 win over Massachusetts. He had three of the Owls nine sacks. Temple has recorded 14 sacks. Whether the Owls will be able to get to Flowers will be key. USF quarterbacks have been sacked eight times.

  5. USF sophomore slot receiver Deangelo Antoine made his first start in last week's 47-23 win over Illinois and he will be a player to watch. Antoine, who missed the season opener due to injury, had 124 all-purpose yards including his first career touchdown on a 39-yard pass from Flowers.