College Football Preview: Temple

Temple Owls

2015 Results: 10-4 (7-1, 1st in East)

Lost to Toledo in Boca Raton Bowl

Returning Starters:9 OFF, 7 DEF, 2 SP

2016 Schedule

September

2nd ARMY

10th STONY BROOK

17th at Penn State

24th CHARLOTTE

October

1st SMU

6th at Memphis

15th at Central Florida

21st SOUTH FLORIDA

29th CINCINNATI

November

4th at Connecticut

19th at Tulane

26th EAST CAROLINA

Last year, Temple came out of the gate hot. Like, red hot. The Owls took the nation by storm by starting 7-0 and jumping to #21 in the polls. But like all bonfires, they fizzled out. The last seven games, they went 3-4. The good news for Temple is that they return several key pieces of that team to this years squad.

The offense last year had decent output ranking just below average. This year, they should be much more efficient. Dual threat quarterback P.J. Walker will be calling the signals for a fourth straight season. He threw for 2,973 yards last year, 19 TDs, and only 8 INTs. Running back Jahad Thomas returns for his senior season also and leads a very deep group at the position. The wide receivers are experienced. Junior Adonis Jennings and sophomore Ventell Bryant will shoulder the load for the Owls. The offensive line returns four starters who are either juniors or seniors.

Defense was the calling card for the Owls last year. They ranked in the Top 50 in all major categories. One key player that they will be without is leading tackler from a year ago, linebacker Tyler Matakevich (138 tackles). This year, they will have three seniors who will try to replace him. Linebackers Stephaun Marshall, Jarred Alwan, and Avery Williams will anchor the defense. The defensive line is slightly undersized (255.5 lbs averaged), but they are explosive and quick. The secondary will lock down opponents and lead this team as they are the most experienced unit with their wealth of depth.

Player to Watch: Jahad Thomas

Thomas ran for 1,262 yards last season and scored 17 TDs. He's bound to be preseason All-AAC and is one of the better backs in the country. With the fast pace the offense will play, Thomas will be the slowdown that the Owls will need to keep defenses caught off guard. With the depth at the position, Thomas should be better rested with the load being shared. Look for him to still be churning away late in the season.

If you only watch them once, watch:

9/17 at Penn State

Last year, the Owls won the season opener against the Nittany Lions in convincing fashion (27-10) and it started their rise throughout the first half of the season. Don't expect Penn State to overlook Temple this year. You have to believe that they have had this date circled for quite a while now.

What to Expect

The Owls need to finish strong. The schedule is set up that they can start out strong and then finish the same way. They have the top tier conference teams at home and their only major non-conference game is at Penn State where they still might be the favorite going in. If they take care of business, they should get to play Houston in the AAC Championship for a rematch from last year.

Prediction

9-3 (6-2, AAC)

-Dug

@chansm1th