This weekend, the Temple Owls play host to American Athletic Conference foe USF at the Linc. The Owls are coming off of a high-scoring 59-49 victory against Houston in Week 11. In that matchup, Owls Senior RB Ryquell Armstead set an AAC-record by scoring 6-TDs. Armstead, who also rushed for 210 yards on 30 carries, was named offensive player of the week within the AAC for his accomplishments. Armstead has been very consistent for the Owls, despite only suiting up in eight games this season (due to injury), Armstead has rushed for at least 100 yards in six games. Against Houston, The Owls scored all eight of its touchdowns on the ground with FB Rob Ritrovato and DT Freddie Booth-Lloyd also scoring a TD a piece. The Owls defense allowed 527 yards of total offense by Houston, but was still able to make plays against the Cougars offense. The Owls created 3 turnovers and also applied pressure to the Houston offensive line by sacking Houston QB D’Eriq King 3 times.

USF enters week 12 action riding a three game losing streak with its most recent loss coming on the road against Cincinnati 35-23. This is the first time since 2013 that USF has lost 3 straight conference games. This game was marked by the 28 degree weather which is the coldest temperature game in USF’s program history on record. Sophomore Quarterback Chris Oladokun made his first career start in place of Blake Barnett who suffered a shoulder injury in Week 10. Oladokun went 10-for-22 for 165 yards with 2 TDs to targets Ryeshene Bronson for a 72-yard reception and Tyre McCants for 25-yards. USF led this game at halftime 16-14, however things quickly fell apart in the second half. Defensively, the Bulls allowed 432 total yards and gave up 21 points in the third quarter.

The key to the game this week for Temple will be to continue feeding the ball to Ryquell Armstead. USF has not shown that its defense can stop the run. In the last four games, the Bulls have allowed its opponents to rush for an average of 297 yards. And Armstead has had success against USF in the past.  The last time these two teams played at the Linc (10/16/15), Armstead ran for 210 yards on 20 carries and scored two touchdowns. Owls WR Ventell Bryant is only two catches away from being Temple’s all-time receptions leader. Bryant is already the Owl’s leader for most receiving yards. Temple is currently one game out of 1^st place in the AAC East Division behind UCF.

Also of note, Temple’s senior class currently has 33 victories and is one victory away from becoming the winningest class in Temple’s history. This matchup will serve as Senior day and military appreciation day for Temple.

Kickoff is on Saturday, November 17, at 12pm ET.