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Temple - Villanova Gearing Up For The 4th Annual 'Mayor's Cup'

By Steve Tawa

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Two local rivals will tee it up again Friday, in the fourth annual Mayor's Cup football game, between Temple and Villanova Universities, at Lincoln Financial Field.

Villanova won the inaugural game with a field goal, Temple won the second on the last play of the game, and the Owls prevailed again last year (see game story).

Wildcats' head coach Andy Talley, entering his 28th season on the Main Line, is returning 17 starters.  He is among those who believe that Villanova's opponent is "Temple Tuff."

"It's been great to compete against Coach Addazio's team," Talley said today.  "They get after it and play really spirited football."

Entering his second season, Temple coach Steve Addazio looks forward to the contest, as the Owls return to the Big East.

"Coach Talley is coming back with some guys who have played a lot of football.  We're returning nine starters -- we're pretty young.  We lack a lot of depth right now."

Villanova is coming off a 2-9 season following the Wildcats' 2009 national championship.

"I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we're good enough to get Temple into the 4th quarter and possibly have one or the other win on the last play of the game," Talley says.

Last year's contest at the Linc drew more than 32,000 fans.  Game time Friday is 7pm.

You can catch the Temple Owls as they face the Villanova Wildcats starting at 6:50 p.m. on SportsRadio 610 WIP. Tickets are still available at owlstix.com.

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