Cincinnati Football: Breaking down the Bearcats series history against Temple

Since the first meeting in 1973, the Bearcats have played 23 games against Temple. Check out a break down of the all-time series history as the programs prepare to face off Saturday in Philadelphia.

Temple came away with a 16-15 win in the first ever matchup but the Bearcats were able to get revenge a year later with a victory over undefeated and 19th ranked Temple at Nippert Stadium.

Unfortunately for the Bearcats, that began a winless streak against the Owls with six straight losses from 1975-1982 including a 41-7 loss in head coach Mike Gottfried’s final season at the helm.

Cincinnati broke the losing steak with a resounding 31-16 win in 1983 but Temple answered with a pair of victories to regain control of the series before the programs stopped playing for nearly two decades.

Cincinnati Football: Breaking down the Bearcats series history against Temple

After not playing since 1985, the Bearcats won back to back games over Temple, highlighted by a 30-24 triple overtime win in 2003 as Richard Hall scored a game-tying and game-winning touchdown.

Cincinnati suffered four consecutive losses to Temple from 2015-2018 with the most disappointing loss in 2018. The Bearcats entered unbeaten but lost 24-17 as Desmond Ridder was picked off in overtime.

Luke Fickell’s team is 2-0 against Temple since then including a 52-3 blowout win last season as Jerome Ford totaled 149 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

The matchup on Saturday will be the Bearcats’ first trip to Philadelphia since losing in 2018. Tre Tucker discussed the series history against Temple in a press conference this week per Cincinnati Athletics.

"“They’re playing their best ball in November. That’s what we pride ourselves on. I think they’re really doing that. It’s a good football team. I’m excited to play them and I actually know a few people over there. Temple has always been a problem for us even before I was here. I remember my senior year in high school, we were undefeated and Cincinnati went to Temple and lost. Temple is always a tough place to play and a tough team. I think everyone is going to be on high alert. We obviously know we have next week but this one is just as important because of who they are and how they play. Everyone is making sure to be focused and have good practices.”"