With 22 starters back from a team that went 4-4 against the Mid-American Conference last fall, there's rising excitement that a breakthrough season is in the offing.

Owls coach Al Golden, however, is doing his best to keep expectations from getting out of hand.

"We have so many things that we have to do as a team in training camp and that's showtime for us," said the third year Temple coach at yesterday's Mid-American Conference football media day at Ford Field. "I want to see from our players if we're ready to come together as a team and have unity and be tough and compete."

While considerably improved, Temple still went 4-8 overall last fall, has not had a winning season since 1990 and hasn't appeared in a bowl game since 1979.

But that could change with the Owls now full members of the MAC for football and eligible for the league championship game and for one of three bowls with ties to the conference. Temple will play in the MAC East.

Temple quarterback Adam DiMichele is on the same page as his coach.

"I'm awfully excited to get camp started this week, that's really where my focus is now," said DiMichele, team MVP last year after completing 138 of 223 passes for 1,595 yards and 12 touchdowns despite missing four games after breaking an ankle.

"The city's excited about us and I'm glad about it. But we have a tough road ahead of us," he said. "We play seven away games . . . that's something that's going to be tough to handle but we're looking forward to it."

DiMichele, who earned All-State honors in three sports at Sto-Rox High in McKeesport, is in his final year of eligibility. He has been part of the progression that began with a 1-11 season in Golden's first year.

"We had to learn to win," DiMichele said. "We're a lot more competitive now. Guys compete in everything we do. That's something coach stresses to us. And it's something I like to see out of my teammates."

Returning tackle Terrance Knighton, the team's defensive most valuable player, anchors a veteran seven-man line.

"We [also] have depth now at linebacker, need for some kids to come on for us at corner and our safeties are very solid and do a great job running the defense," Golden said.

"On offense, it all starts with Adam [DiMichele] at quarterback. In front of Adam is Alex Derenthal, our center who's one of the leaders. The offensive line is finally to the point where they understand what it takes. Everybody's back at wide receiver."

MAC notes