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.