In Tampa, Florida, Temple (3-7, 1-5 AAC) experienced a setback on the road against the South Florida Bulls (5-5, 3-3), concluding with a 27-23 scoreline. Despite overcoming an initial 17-point deficit, the Owls fell just short of securing a come-from-behind victory.
Noteworthy was Temple's defensive line, which delivered an outstanding performance, achieving season-highs with six sacks and 13 tackles for loss. Tight end David Martin-Robinson ascended to the second position in all-time career receiving yards by a Temple tight end, marking his second 100-yard receiving game.
The narrative unfolded with South Florida taking an early lead as quarterback Byrum Brown rushed for a seven-yard touchdown with 13:14 left in the first half. This followed a 40-yard pass on the first play of the game, propelling the Bulls into Temple territory. A 41-yard field goal at 7:48 in the first quarter extended the Bulls' lead to 10-0.
Temple found themselves trailing 17-0 after a 32-yard passing touchdown from Brown to wide receiver Khafre Brown with 3:03 remaining in the first quarter. The Owls responded with a 16-yard touchdown pass from quarterback E.J. Warner to tight end Jordan Smith, putting their first points on the board with 11:27 left in the first half.
A 42-yard field goal by kicker Camden Price narrowed the gap to 17-10 with 7:59 remaining in the second quarter. Despite a solid defensive effort in the second quarter, Temple entered halftime trailing 20-10.
South Florida's defensive end Tramel Logan intercepted a pass, returning it 22 yards for a touchdown, pushing the Bulls to a 27-10 lead with 3:09 left in the third quarter. Temple fought back, cutting the deficit to 27-17 at 13:15 in the game with a 20-yard touchdown pass from Warner to wide receiver Zae Baines. The Owls further closed in at 27-23 with 7:03 remaining, as Warner connected with wide receiver Dante Wright for a 12-yard touchdown.
Despite a commendable defensive effort in the final two quarters, limiting South Florida to zero offensive points and 144 total yards, the Bulls managed to run out the clock, securing a final score of 27-23.
Statistically, linebacker Yvandy Rigby led Temple with 16 total tackles, matching a career high, while safety Alex Odom achieved a career-high 12 tackles. Tight end David Martin-Robinson amassed 102 receiving yards, marking his second 100-yard receiving game of the season. Defensive lineman Tra Thomas set a new career high with two sacks against South Florida, and safety Tywan Francis secured his second interception of the season.
Key notes include Martin-Robinson surpassing 1,000 receiving yards for his career, becoming the third tight end in Temple history to achieve this milestone. Temple's 13 tackles for loss in the game were the most this season and the highest since Week 2 of the 2022 season. The defense also recorded six sacks, the most in a game this season and the most since Week 7 of the 2022 season.
Looking ahead, Temple will face the University of Alabama at Birmingham at Protective Stadium on November 18 at 3:00 p.m. ET, with the game broadcast on ESPN+ and airing on radio at 97.5 The Fanatic.
