Bulls join Penn State as only programs in top 25 of six key national statistics

TAMPA, SEPT. 24, 2017 – Following a dominating 43-7 rout of East Division rival Temple on Thursday, USF (4-0) remained at No. 17 in the Amway Coaches Poll while moving up three spots to No. 18 in the AP Top 25 Poll after Week 4 of the college football season.

The rankings marked the 22nd week in program history USF has appeared in the Top 20 in the polls and 34th in the Top 25. The entire AP and Coaches polls can be seen here: http://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings.

USF held Temple to just 85 total yards, the fewest ever for an FBS opponent vs. the Bulls, and ran for 300 yards or more for the third time in four games on the 2017 season. USF’s domination on both sides of the ball elevated the Bulls into the top 25 of six key NCAA national statistical rankings. USF ranks 13^th in total defense (263.8 ypg), 21^st in total offense (493.8 ypg), 22^nd in scoring defense (17.3 ppg), 21^st in scoring offense (40.8 ppg), first in turnovers gained (14) and first in turnover margin (2.50). USF and Penn State are the only programs in the country to rank in the top 25 of those categories.

The Bulls rank in the top 25 of nine NCAA defensive categories, including first in interceptions (12), second in pass efficiency defense (83.65), third in rushing defense (66.0 ypg), 12^th in tackles for loss (8.3 tpg) and 13^th in sacks (3.25 spg). Meanwhile, the Bulls’ offense ranks fifth nationally in first downs (110), ninth in rushing (289.0 ypg) and 11^th in time of possession (33:47). USF and Alabama are the only programs nationally to rank in the top 10 in both rushing offense and rushing defense.

USF will play its first conference road game of the season Saturday as the Bulls travel to Greenville, N.C. to take on ECU in a noon kickoff on CBS Sports Network.