Temple Owls (1-3) vs. South Florida Bulls (4-0)
October 3, 2026 7:30 pm EDT
The Line: South Florida Bulls -250 / Temple Owls 205; Over/Under: 48.5
(Get latest betting odds)
In this article we will formulate a South Florida vs Temple prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, October 3rd at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this Week 5 matchup.
South Florida Bulls Betting Preview
The South Florida Bulls are 4-0 (1-0) this season after they defeated Bowling Green by a score of 14-6 in their last game. South Florida trailed 6-0 at halftime, but they scored 14 points in the fourth quarter to escape with the win. The Bulls out gained BG by a total of 214-207, went 3-10 on third downs, and lost the turnover battle by a total of 2-0 in the game. Michael Van Buren Jr threw for 52 yards, while Bryson Rodgers caught two passes for 22 yards. DJ Crowther rushed 23 times for 143 yards and one score in the win.
Prior to that game, South Florida defeated Delaware State by a score of 59-17 and Army by a score of 28-24. The Bulls have scored 30.0 points per game with 178.0 passing yards and 172.5 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 14.0 points against per game this season. Michael Van Buren Jr has thrown for 691 yards with three touchdowns and zero interception this season.
Temple Owls Betting Preview
The Temple Owls are 1-3 (0-1) this year after they lost to Army by a score of 21-17 last week. Temple was tied 7-7 at halftime, but they led 17-14 late in the fourth, before allowing a touchdown with 1:41 left for the loss. The Owls out gained Army by a total of 459-315, went 3-9 on third downs, and tied the turnover battle at zero in the game. Ajani Sheppard threw for 242 yards and two touchdowns, while Samuel Brown V caught one pass for 78 yards and one score. Brown V also led the rushing attack with 10 carries for 96 yards in the loss.
Prior to that game, Temple lost to Toledo by a score of 49-48 and Penn State by a score of 27-9. The Owls have scored 28.0 points per game with 163.8 passing yards and 220.3 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 27.8 points against per game this season. Ajani Sheppard has thrown for 539 yards with five touchdowns and zero interceptions, while Keveun Mason has rushed 60 times for 340 yards and two scores this year.
Why the South Florida Bulls will win
- South Florida has won each of its last nine games at Raymond James Stadium.
- Temple has lost each of its last 29 games as a road underdog.
- Temple has failed to cover the spread in five of its last six games against conference opponents.
- South Florida has covered the spread in four of its last five games at Raymond James Stadium.
- South Florida has won the first quarter in each of its last eight games against non-AP-ranked teams at Raymond James Stadium.
- South Florida has won the first half in each of its last nine games at Raymond James Stadium.
Why the Temple Owls will win
- The underdog has covered the spread in five of the last six games between Temple and South Florida.
- South Florida has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five October games at Raymond James Stadium.
- Temple has won the first half in four of its last five road games against non-AP-ranked teams.
Total Points Facts
- Nine of Temple’s last 10 road games have gone OVER the total points line.
- Each of South Florida’s last four home games against Temple have gone UNDER the total points line.
South Florida Bulls Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 5, D.J. Crowther ranks T12th amongst FBS players for rushing touchdowns (5) this season.
Temple Owls Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 5, Colin Chase ranks 7th amongst qualified players for Yards Per Reception (24.5) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- South Florida ranks T1st among FBS teams for red zone percentage this season (100.0).
- South Florida ranks 3rd among FBS teams for Q4 points per game this season (14.5).
- Temple has lost the fourth quarter in each of its last three games – equal-longest active streak in the FBS.
- Temple ranks T1st among FBS teams for red zone percentage this season (100.0).
South Florida vs Temple Prediction
South Florida comes into this matchup undefeated to start the season, but they really struggled against a bad Bowling Green team last week. Temple has dropped three in a row, but they did out gain Army last week. The Owls are better than their record would suggest, but I don’t think I can back them on the road. I expect a bounce back effort from South Florida in this one and I like them to cover at home.
