Temple at a glance
Coach: Matt Rhule (8-16 in two seasons). Last season: 6-6; 4-4 in American Athletic Conference, 6th place. Three to watch
Coach: Matt Rhule (8-16 in two seasons).
Last season: 6-6; 4-4 in American Athletic Conference, 6th place.
Three to watch
on offense
P.J. Walker
QB, Jr., 6-1, 200
After a big freshman year, he slumped last season, completing 53.3 percent of his passes for 2,317 yards, 13 TDs, and 15 interceptions.
Robby Anderson
WR, Sr., 6-3, 190
After missing last year because of academics, he's out to replicate 2013, when he had 44 receptions for 791 yards and nine TDs.
Kyle Friend
C, Sr., 6-2, 305
On the Rimington watch list, he has made 33 consecutive starts for what should be an improved offensive line.
Three to watch
on defense
Tavon Young
CB, Sr., 5-10, 180
He will be able to match up one-on-one with the opponent's top receiver, if needed.
Tyler Matakevich
LB, Sr., 6-1, 232
He's looking to become the first Temple player to record 100 or more tackles in all four seasons.
Matt Ioannidis
DT, Sr., 6-4, 292
His 11 tackles for loss last season were a career high.
How it could
go right
With the return of Robby Anderson, the Owls could again have a strong vertical passing game and also open things up underneath. A team that averaged just 3.5 yards per carry last year is expected to be improved in the running game. The Owls have depth at running back with the addition of freshmen Ryquell Armstead, Jager Gardner, and T.J. Simmons - at least one of them is expected to contribute. The defense, which allowed 17.5 points per game, has virtually everybody back, so it's possible that unit could be even stronger. The Owls have more depth, so players should be able to get more snaps off, making them fresher down the stretch. Walker, who holds the keys to the offense, has many more weapons around him and could have a bounce-back season.
How it could
go wrong
Temple opens with two of its three toughest games, Penn State at home and then a trip to overall AAC favorite Cincinnati. An 0-2 start wouldn't be disastrous, but it wouldn't help the confidence of a team that has high hopes. Much of the offense's hoped-for success is predicated on what is expected to be an improved ground game. One thing that Rhule hasn't been happy with in the preseason, however, is that some of the young running backs have been fumbling, which can't carry into the regular season. Temple was plus-3 in turnovers last year and would like to improve in that area. The Owls also were last in the AAC in third-down conversions last year (23.5 percent), and if that doesn't improve, neither will the offense.
- Marc Narducci