Temple-Villanova football series to return in 2017

Temple and Villanova will resume their football rivalry in two years.

Owlscoop.com first reported that the two universities would resume the Mayor's Cup football game, most likely in 2017. A source close to the situation confirmed that Temple will play Villanova in 2017 and 2018.

Villanova usually opens its season with a Football Bowl Subdivision school. This year the Wildcats will open at Connecticut on Sept. 3; they will play Pittsburgh next season.

The last time Villanova and Temple played was Aug. 31, 2012, when the host Owls won, 41-10.

Temple has won the last three meetings in a series that is tied, 15-15-2. The teams have played five times since 2003 and Temple has gone 3-2.

Temple will begin its season on Sept. 5 when it hosts Penn State at Lincoln Financial Field.

- Marc Narducci