Temple vs. USF final score: Owls hold on to top Bulls, 37-28

The Temple Owls put up a bevy of points in the second half and held off South Florida by blocking a late field goal attempt to win 37-28.

USF vs. Temple score: Owls leading at half in first-ever Big East game, 9-7

So far, so good for the Temple Owls in their first Big East game since 2004, as the Owls lead the South Florida Bulls, 9-7.

Temple started the scoring midway through the first quarter, when quarterback Chris Coyer ran for a 24-yard touchdown, giving the Owls a 6-0 lead. Brandon McManus missed the extra point.

South Florida responded toward the end of the first quarter. South Florida quarterback B.J. Daniels connected with Lindsey Lamar for a 24-yard touchdown strike, giving the Bulls a 7-6 lead.

Temple had an opportunity to take the lead in the second quarter. Tavon Young sacked Daniels, forcing a fumble, which was recovered by Brandon Chudnoff at South Florida's 10-yard line.

Unfortunately for Temple, the drive stalled at South Florida's five, forcing the Owls to attempt a field goal. McManus missed the 22-yard field goal, preserving South Florida's slim 7-6 lead.

McManus redeemed himself heading into the half. Capping off an eight-play, 45-yard drive, McManus drilled a 50-yard field goal as time expired, giving Temple a 9-7 lead.

The Owls go into halftime leading South Florida in total yards, 170-136. Coyer is 10-of-12 passing for 102 yards, while running back Montel Harris leads the Owls in rushing, with 37 yards on 11 carries.

USF vs. Temple 2012: Game time, TV schedule, odds and more

The Temple Owls make their 2012 debut in the Big East when they host South Florida on Saturday.

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Temple linebacker Nate Smith is having a solid freshman campaign, and he attributes his success to older brother L.J. Smith.

Temple vs. South Florida: Owls excited for 1st Big East test

The Temple Owls play the South Florida Bulls on Saturday in their first Big East game since 2004.