Temple Owls 2010 Preview
July 18th, 2010 by Nick Gerogosian
When Temple was admitted into the MAC to begin the 2007 season, the MAC News Media grilled then league commissioner Rick Chryst on “why Temple?” He replied “don’t look at where Temple is at now, look at what they can and will become with their partnership with the MAC.” His vision should prove correct this season as the Owls are the team to beat. After losing a heartbreaker to cross-town rival Villanova last season and then getting tossed around at Penn State, Temple reeled off nine straight wins before losing to Ohio and UCLA to close the season 9-4. Temple has a defense that is on par with some of the top BCS programs in the country so if the offense can add some punch this season, the Owls may end the season nationally ranked as Central Michigan did a year ago. That would look very good on a resume for a program trying to get back into the Big East.
The Team
The MAC has some pretty solid running backs but Temple’s Bernard Pierce has to be considered the league’s best entering the 2010 season. As a freshman he rushed for over 1,300 yards and 16 TDs. Expect both of those numbers to rise this fall. Most of the offensive line returns led by Colin Madison, Darius Morris and John Palumbo. This unit paved the way for the 23rd ranked rushing team in the nation. The Owls did not have good quarterback play last season and it cost them in three of their four losses. Vaughn Charlton has moved to TE leaving Chester Stewart the starter. No matter if it’s Stewart of someone else; this was clearly the weakest position on the team and needs major improvement. It’s hard to properly access the wide outs since the quarterback play was so lousy last season. James Nixon, Vaughn Carraway and Rod Streater are guys who can make things happen. Defensively Temple is bigger, faster and stronger than anyone in the MAC. Muhammed Wilkerson, Elisha Joseph and Adrian Robinson lead a star-studded front while Elijah Joseph and Amara Kamara lead the LB corps. Jaiquawn Jarrett is one of the best safeties in the league and has NFL potential.
The Verdict
Anything short of a MAC Championship game and bowl victory would be considered failure. With the top offensive line and RB in the conference, Temple should be able to control the clock and use their physical play to dictate the pace of the game. Defensively there is no on this schedule, other than Penn State, that should score over 30 points. In fact, most MAC teams will not score over 20 points against this defense. This year’s Temple is “Philadelphia tough,” and they will make the former MAC commissioner look like a prophet.
2010 Schedule & Prediction
Sept 3 Villanova W
Sept 11 Central Michigan W
Sept 18 UConn L
Sept 25 at Penn State L
Oct 2 at Army W
Oct 9 at NIU L
Oct 16 BGSU W
Oct 23 at Buffalo W
Oct 30 Akron W
Nov 6 at Kent State W
Nov 16 Ohio W
Nov 23 at Miami (O) W
9-3 Overall; 7-1 MAC
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