"There's great anticipation," Temple coach Steve Addazio said of beginning Big East play. "We want to play well."
The Owls, who are coming off their second bye in three weeks, are focused on being better offensively and defensively on third downs.
"Then, obviously, just the energy and excitement of homecoming, playing at home against USF, which is a really, really talented football team," Addazio said.
However, the Bulls' unquestioned athletic ability hasn't translated into victories. Saturday's 30-17 setback against third-ranked Florida State marked South Florida's 10th loss in 13 games, dating from last season.
A lot of the Bulls' disappointments have come against conference opponents. They lost nine of their last 10 conference games. Overall, South Florida is 4-11 against Big East foes since Skip Holtz was hired as coach in 2010.
But Holtz said his team's effort against the Seminoles is something it can build on.
"We were crisper," said the coach, whose squad trailed, 13-10, with 11 minutes, 55 seconds remaining in the third quarter. "We were sharper."
Reserve wideout Chris Dunkley might not get an opportunity to reach his full potential on the football field.
The sophomore was suspended indefinitely after being arrested on a domestic-battery charge Saturday evening. The Florida transfer had four receptions for 93 yards and a touchdown this season.
Temple, however, must find a way to stop South Florida dual-threat quarterback B.J. Daniels. The fifth-year senior ranks fifth on the Big East's career total offense list with 9,548 yards.
Temple-UConn time set. The start time for Temple's game at Connecticut on Oct. 13 has been scheduled for 1 p.m. ESPN3 will show the Big East matchup online.
Temple is still last in Keith Pompey's Big East power rankings.
Rutgers moves to first. philly.com/owlsinq
Contact Keith Pompey at kpompey@phillynews.com, or follow on Twitter @pompeysgridlock. Read his blog, "Owls Inq," at www.philly.com/OwlsInq
