Bulls seek revenge against Owls

TAMPA — No. 21 USF is still smarting from a loss to Temple that cost the Bulls a chance to play for last season's American Athletic Conference championship.

The Owls spoke afterward about how they were able to impose their will during a 46-30 upset, leaving USF to wonder what might have been had a leaky defense done a better job stopping the run that night in Philadelphia.

Fast forward 11 months, and the Bulls (3-0) can hardly wait for a rematch Thursday night against the defending AAC champions (2-1) at Raymond James Stadium.

“It's going to be a very physical game,” USF coach Charlie Strong said. “We know what Temple did to us last year. Some things were said. I just told our players, you can't worry about last season. We've just got to stay locked in, and just go play our game.”

Both teams finished 7-1 in league play Temple representing the Eastern Division title game, where the Owls beat Navy.

USF, meanwhile, hasn't lost since allowing Temple's Ryquell Armstead rush for a career-best 210 yards and two touchdowns.

First-year Temple coach Geoff Collins said the Owls (2-1), who've won two straight after falling 49-16 at Notre Dame on Sept. 2, know it won't be easy to come into Tampa and win.

“I think they understand the challenge ahead,” said Collins, who replaced Matt Rhule after the former Temple coach moved to Baylor.

“There's a healthy respect respect for their program.”

Associated Press for their last fall, with in the conference players, healthy