Temple Defeated South Florida in Close Match

Temple secured a 17-13 victory over South Florida in a tight college football contest.

Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Football

Temple Defeated South Florida in Close Match

Temple earned a hard-fought 17-13 road victory against South Florida on October 3. The game remained competitive throughout, with both teams trading scoring drives.

Why it matters

This narrow outcome highlights the defensive struggles and offensive execution challenges for both programs during the current season. The result forces South Florida to address late-game execution and field goal consistency.

Temple recorded 274 total net yards and 15 first downs, while South Florida tallied 319 total net yards and 17 first downs. Notable plays included a 24-yard touchdown pass to Bermudez, a 34-yard touchdown run by Sheppard, and a 49-yard field goal from N.Gramatica.

The players

Sheppard

He is a key player for Temple who contributed a 34-yard touchdown run and a touchdown pass in the victory.

Bermudez

He is an offensive contributor for Temple who hauled in a 24-yard touchdown pass during the game.

Crowther

He is a running back for South Florida who scored the team's lone touchdown on a 1-yard carry.

N.Gramatica

He is the placekicker for South Florida who successfully converted a 49-yard field goal but missed a 52-yard attempt.

The details

Temple pulled ahead behind a 34-yard touchdown run from Sheppard and a 24-yard scoring reception by Bermudez. South Florida responded with a 1-yard touchdown run from Crowther and a 49-yard field goal, though a 52-yard field goal attempt later went wide.

The college football game took place on October 3, 2026.

Season Trajectory

This outcome significantly shifts the competitive landscape within the 2026 college football season schedule. The loss complicates South Florida's path to a high-ranking bowl game while boosting Temple's standing among conference rivals.

South Florida failed to convert on a 52-yard field goal attempt, which proved to be a critical missed opportunity given the final four-point margin. The loss drops South Florida in the conference standings, affecting their probability of securing a favorable post-season matchup.

The takeaway

This result serves as a reminder that special teams accuracy and red-zone efficiency remain the primary determinants of victory in closely matched games. Fans should watch for adjustments to South Florida's kicking rotation in upcoming games.