2012-13 Football Previews – (Big East) – Temple Owls
After a seven-year absence the Temple Owls are back in the Big East. Temple never dominated the MAC the way many thought it could, but the last couple years Temple started to look like a program that could make a serious move. Unfortunately, Temple has to replace several key letter winners this year.
Big East Conference 2012-2013 College Football Previews: Temple Owls
Head Coach: Steve Addazio
2011 Record: 9-4
Temple Gambling Odds from BetOnline to win BCS Championship: +100,000
Temple Gambling Odds from BetOnline to win Big East Conference: +3,000
Temple Team Page – Players Stats – Roster – 2012 Schedule –>
The Big East is a step up from the MAC, but not the step up it once was.
After Al Golden left the program, Steve Addazio took over. Addazio has become a fan favorite because of his high-energy style of coaching. The Owls finished off last season with a big 37-15 win over Wyoming in the New Mexico Bowl.
It obviously wasn’t a big name bowl or great competition, but the win helped boost morale around the program. Can the team be competitive right away in the Big East?
Team Strengths:
Temple’s backfield is loaded with talent. The Owls have a great runner in Matt Brown. They did lose Bernard Pierce, but Matt Brown should be able to fill his shoes quite well. In addition, Chris Coyer is a great running threat the quarterback position. Coyer only started four games, but he rushed for 563 yards in 2011. With Brown and Coyer in the backfield, Temple can run the spread-option like Addazio loves to do.
Temple has been great on the defensive line over the last few years. They lost a ton of talent here, but their deep rotation from last year means they still return many guys who have a great deal of experience. Senior Marcus Green looks like a guy who could have a breakout season in 2012. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Team Weaknesses:
The offensive front could be a major problem for the Owls this year. Only one starter returns from a year ago. The Big East will feature many bigger defensive lines, so the fact that Temple must start anew across the offensive line is a major hurdle for this team.
Temple lost its leading tackler in Stephen Johnson from the linebackers unit. In addition, they lost Tashir Whitehead from the same group, and he had 13.5 tackles for loss. The lack of depth at the linebacker spot is a real concern for Temple in the year ahead.
The wide receiver spot is a glaring weakness on the offensive side. Only one receiver returns who caught more than three passes a year ago. Temple wants to be a team that runs the ball, but they’ll obviously have to find some playmakers on the outside as well.
2012-2013 Temple Owls Football Prediction: 4-7
Temple was always the laughing stock of the Big East in its previous time inside the conference. I don’t expect the Owls to compete for the top spot in the conference just yet, but they should be competitive. Depth is the major issue right now the Owls. They need to get a little bit deeper before they can handle the big guys on a weekly basis. Look for teams to stack the box and force Temple to beat them through the air this season.
2012 Schedule
8/31/12 TBD VILL
9/8/12 12:00 PM ET MD
9/22/12 TBD @PENST
10/6/12 TBD SOFLA
10/13/12 TBD @CONN
10/20/12 TBD RUTG
10/27/12 TBD @PITT
11/3/12 TBD @LOU
11/10/12 TBD CIN
11/17/12 12:00 PM ET @ARMY
11/23/12 TBD SYR
