Football Falls to USF, 34-14

Saturday, October 23

Tampa, FL

7:00 PM

Temple University

3-4 , 1-2

USF

2-5 , 1-2

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Temple

South Fla.

Photo by: Zamani Feelings

Football Falls to USF, 34-14

10.23.21 | Football

Box Score Game Book Rod Carey Press Conference D'Wan Mathis Press Conference William Kwenkeu Press Conference

TAMPA, Fla. – Temple (3-4, 1-2) dropped its second conference game of the season to USF (2-5, 1-2), 34-14. After falling behind by 14 points, the Owls battled back, scoring two touchdowns to cut the deficit to 17-14 early in the third quarter. However, Temple was unable to stop the Bulls' rushing attack as USF scored 17 unanswered points to finish the game.

How It Happened
First Quarter
After receiving the opening kickoff, the Bulls marched down the field into Temple territory before the Owls defense stood tall to force a field goal try. On the attempt, a high snap recovered by CB Keyshawn Paul was returned the other way setting up the Owls at the Bulls' five-yard line. Temple was unable to capitalize on the opportunity, however, as an interception a few plays later gave the ball back to USF midway through the first quarter.

Second Quarter
On the ensuing drive, the Bulls mounted a 19-play, 80-yard drive capped off by a rushing touchdown to strike first in the contest. On the Owls' second offensive possession of the game, QB D'Wan Mathis found TE Jordan Smith for a 21-yard gain to get the drive started. A few plays later, following a penalty which moved the Owls backwards, Mathis connected with WR Jadan Blue for a 19-yard gain on 3rd and 13 to move the ball into USF territory, but the drive stalled shortly afterwards. USF started the next drive from its own seven-yard line, driving the length of the field to score a touchdown to extend the lead, 14-0. The Cherry & White answered back on the next possession as Mathis hit a streaking Randle Jones down the right sideline for a 70-yard touchdown on the first play of the drive to cut the lead in half. A few minutes later, Bulls kicker Spencer Shrader knocked in a field goal just before halftime, putting the Owls in a 17-7 hole heading into the break.

Third Quarter
On the opening drive of the second half, the Owls moved the ball down the field thanks to consecutive catches by Jones. A few plays later, a 20-yard catch and a 16-yard rush by RB Edward Saydee brought Temple down to the one-yard line. On the next play, Saydee bulldozed his way into the end zone for the Owls' second touchdown of the day. A few minutes later, with just over eight minutes remaining in the quarter, USF's Shrader connected on a 52-yard field goal to give the Bulls a 20-14 lead. Four minutes later, the Bulls extended their lead, scoring a touchdown after a nine-play drive as after attacking the Owls through its ground game.

Fourth Quarter
The Bulls scored a touchdown to add to its lead with 11 minutes remaining in the contest.

Statistically Speaking

Jones: Four receptions, 100 receiving yards, one touchdown
Saydee: 47 total yards, one touchdown

Notes

Demerick Morris: First career start.
Victor Stoffel: First career start.

Up Next
The Owls return to Lincoln Financial Field for their first home game in 28 days against UCF on October 30. Kickoff is set for 12:00pm and will broadcast on ESPN+.