Juice Granger may become Temple's new starting quarterback

Speculation has increased on when, if ever, Juice Granger will become Temple's starting quarterback.

There's a chance it could happen in the coming days.

While starter Chris Coyer struggled mightily for the third time in four games, Granger moved the football in Saturday's 34-10 setback to Cincinnati at Lincoln Financial Field.

"I'm all about putting a guy in there that can move the football team. And I thought Juice did a nice job," Temple coach Steve Addazio said when asked if Coyer lost his spot. "For me to stand up here right now and make proclamations, I'm just not wired that way. But I thought Juice did a good job."

The 6-foot-3, 220-pound redshirt junior replaced Coyer on Temple's first possession of the second half. After an incompletion on his first pass attempt, Granger completed three consecutive passes for 54 yards. His final play on that drive was a 4-yard touchdown pass to Cody Booth to cap the eight-play, 75-yard drive.

The George Washington High product finished 7-for-15 for 86 yards and the touchdown. Coyer, however, was 5-for-16 for 56 yards and an interception.

"I feel like I can bring a lot - leadership, making good throws, good runs, check downs and just being an all-around good quarterback," Granger said of potentially being the starter.

Saturday marked the fourth consecutive game where Coyer was replaced by Granger. On three occasions, it was because of a poor performance.

"I think he needs to develop a little more," Addazio said of Coyer, who has started 13 consecutive games. "I think we've given him a tremendous opportunity here to take the next step. He's played some good football and then he's had some tough football."

Addazio added he can't wait to coach Granger on Monday.

"I'm not going to diddle around with it," he said of making a decision. "I'll confirm my tape and you'll get an answer from me. But good for Juice. I'm really happy for him to step up."

Temple fifth-year senior Sean Boyle has been cleared for a medical redshirt. As a result, the 6-foot-5, 300-pound center will return for a sixth-year next season, likely at offensive tackle.

Boyle, who missed the last two games with a left shoulder injury, has been hampered by shoulder injuries during his career.