Temple will have to contain South Florida's B.J. Daniels

B.J. Daniels has a rifle arm, and he dazzles crowds with his elusiveness, too.

The fifth-year senior is South Florida's dual-threat quarterback - he is equally adept at making plays with his arm and his legs. On Saturday, he'll be the biggest obstacle in Temple's way to a joyous homecoming and successful return to the Big East Conference.

"I think he makes plays when there aren't plays," said coach Steve Addazio, whose Owls (1-2) face the Bulls (2-3, 0-1 Big East) at Lincoln Financial Field. "I think he's got that 'it' factor on the field.

"He's a great competitor."

Addazio would know.

As Florida's offensive coordinator, he faced the Bulls in 2010. The Gators romped, 38-14, as Daniels threw four interceptions while completing just 5 of 20 passes. But he impressed Addazio by rushing for 107 yards on 17 carries.

Back then, Daniels was seen as an athletic quarterback but prone to make mistakes.

Now, the four-year starter has more command of the offense and is arguably the Big East's best playmaker.

In his career, the Tallahassee, Fla., native has amassed 9,548 yards of total offense - 7,643 passing and 1,905 rushing - and has accounted for a combined 70 touchdowns passing (47) and rushing (23).

"As far as my style of play and the way that I play, I really would love to be labeled as 'effective,' " Daniels said. "Whatever it takes to win, that's the biggest thing I want to do right now to support my team."

If Daniels has a weakness, it's his tendency to throw interceptions. He has thrown seven this season compared with nine touchdown passes. He's been picked off 36 times in his career.

But even with those interceptions, Daniels is the Bulls' unquestioned leader. He often makes up for his shortcoming with explosive plays.

"B.J. has grown considerably in the last couple years," South Florida coach Skip Holtz said. "I think he has grown mentally. I think he is making good decisions with the ball under his arm for the most part. And I think he is really starting to mature as a quarterback."

It's likely that the Owls must contain Daniels to have any opportunity to win their first Big East game since being kicked out of the league after the 2004 season.

"I wish he wasn't still playing," Addazio said. "It seems like he's been there forever."