2011 Temple Football Predictions
Written by Patrick Webb
Temple is a team in transition that is looking to build off of last season’s success, but they must replace the coach that had built them into a contender. The Owls also lost two defenders to the NFL from last season’s 8-4 team. Head coach Al Golden has been replaced with former Florida offensive coordinator Steve Addazio.
Temple has to adjust to a change in scheme and may not have the experience at quarterback to make that adjustment quickly. Bernard Pierce is one of the best running backs in the nation and should help ease the transition, while Matt Brown is a capable back up.
The Owls must also do some retooling on the defense, but do have the talent to improve on last season’s performance. Temple faces two BCS teams in non-conference play this season and has a great MAC schedule facing only one contender on the road (Ohio).
Offensively the Owls return two quarterbacks with experience, but may turn to junior college transfer Clinton Granger, who is more suited to run the offense. Chester Stewart lost the starting gig to Mike Gerardi last season, and neither had stunning passing numbers.
The tailback combo of Pierce and Brown should make life easier on whoever takes the snaps as Pierce has put up solid numbers despite missing a lot of time with injuries. Brown led the team in carries and yards in 2010, but Peirce is the bigger threat of this duo.
Temple loses key receiver Michael Campbell, but return an excellent tight end in Evan Rodriguez. Rod Streater will look to build on a solid first season, but he needs someone to step up opposite of him.
Temple loses two very good offensive linemen, but return seven players with starting experience, as well as expected-starter Sean Boyle from injury.
Temple’s defense needs to rebuild up front as they lost two All-MAC tackles, but they return defensive end Adrian Robinson, who will enter his third season as a starter. Robinson was the ’09 MAC Defensive Player of the Year. There is depth at this along the defensive line as several players saw a lot of time last season and should be ready to step into bigger roles.
Temple’s linebackers should be a strength as they are very deep at all three spots despite the loss of a four year starter. All three spots could be manned by seniors and they return ten letter-winners at linebacker alone return from last season.
The secondary loses difference-maker Jaiquawn Jarrett, but return two starters and experience at every spot. This unit returns five interceptions and loses only four from last season. That number should increase with an expected increase in the pass rush.
Temple returns Brandon McManus at placekicker. He will need to increase his accuracy and may have to do double duty as expected punter Andrew Cerett is suspended indefinitely. James Nixon and Matt Brown were solid as kick returners last season, but a replacement will have to be found at punt returner. Nixon or tailback Ahkeem Smith could see time in this role.
Schedule Analysis: Temple begins the season by hosting Villanova, then visiting conference foe Akron in week two, and hosing Big Ten opponent Penn State the following week. They then take on a rebuilding Maryland team on the road and nab Toledo at home. Three games against struggling MAC teams Ball State, Buffalo, and Bowling Green give them a chance to build momentum heading into key games at Ohio and Miami (OH). Temple closes out the season with home games against Army and Kent State. With only one tough foe on the road, Temple has a good chance to make their first MAC championship appearance.
Season Record Prediction: 10-2 Overall (7-1 MAC)
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