Owls, Wildcats set to take center stage

For those who believe Temple has little or nothing to gain by playing neighborhood rival Villanova in the third annual Mayor’s Cup, Owls rookie coach Steve Addazio begs to differ.

In fact, he believes a prolonged extension of a series where both games came down to last-second field goals would be best for all concerned.

“We’re opening up with a crosstown rivalry,” said Addazio. “A game that traditionally has gone down to the wire against a team that’s traditionally been well-coached. There are some places opening up with where, let’s face it, they’re playing teams they feel they’re gonna run through. But our guys’ mindset is we’re gonna be in a complete street fight. Four quarters where the last team standing wins.”

Calling this game a duel has certainly been the case in recent years. Last year, Temple edged ’Nova, 31-24, after scoring nine points in the last three seconds. The two schools hope tonight’s edition will only intensify a budding rivalry.

“We want to keep playing this game,” said Addazio. “It’s great for Philadelphia and great for college football. Let’s keep this thing going.”

His nemesis on the opposing sideline agreed.

“This is one of the best rivalries out there,” said Villanova coach Andy Talley. “We’re excited to be part of it.”