Thursday, 1 a.m.
Looking back, it wasn't just that Temple beat the USF Bulls in 2016.
It's that they owned them.
Temple physically dominated the Bulls, going on to win a 46-20 game. Temple rushed for 319 yards in that game, which would keep USF home during the conference championship game. But that was long ago. Matt Rhule no longer coaches the Owls, and Willie Taggart no longer coaches the Bulls.
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Will it be different this time? Maybe. USF started slowly again against Illinois, but the Bulls ended up winning easily. The Temple game, too, is at USF, which should make the Bulls a big favorite.
But it has to nag USF somewhat that they still haven't played a great game from the beginning.
Quarterback Logan Marchi leads Temple, but he isn't as talented as the Bulls' Quinton Flowers.
Prediction: USF 27, Temple 19
Kentucky at Florida
The Gators can't really expect another miracle this week. On the other hand, they won't need it.
Florida has beaten Kentucky for 30 straight seasons. That isn't a rare thing for the Wildcats. They've lost 31 of their last 32 to Tennessee and 24 of their last 28 to Georgia.
Still, Kentucky can smell blood in the water. The Gators lost to Michigan in its opener and barely got past Tennessee last week. The Wildcats, meanwhile, are 3-0.
But Florida has good defensive players, and last week's heroics have to help quarterback Feleipe Franks.
Prediction: Florida 24, Kentucky 20
NC State at Florida State
This always figured to be a test for the Seminoles. Now that they've turned to freshman James Blackmon instead of Deondre Francois, it figures to be double tough.
For FSU to win, it has to run the ball effectively and play strong defense.
Can it do that?
Prediction: N.C. State 21, FSU 17
Toledo at Miami
How to do figure the Hurricanes' schedule so far? Florida has played Michigan and Tennessee, and FSU has played Alabama. Miami? The Hurricanes have played Bethune-Cookman and now Toledo. Arkansas State was canceled.
Still, a team gets sharp in its own manner, and the Hurricanes should wear down Toledo.
Don't be shocked if Toledo makes it interesting for a half, however. Quarterback Logan Woodside leads a high-tempo attack. Still, the Hurricanes are too talented.
Prediction: Miami 30, Toledo 17
The Pros
Tampa Bay at Minnesota
The Bucs still need to click better on offense. Otherwise, it might be tighter than a lot of people think on Sunday.
Hey, it's understandable that Bucs' coach Dirk Koetter wasn't satisfied with a 29-7 victory over the Bears on Sunday. Chicago contributed heavily enough to its own demise that Tampa Bay should have flirted with 40 points.
The Bucs still don't have a great pass rush, but otherwise, they have a decent defense. That should be enough to get past the Vikings no matter who quarterbacks.
Prediction: Tampa Bay 27. Minnesota 21
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