OFFENSE

In Temple’s eight losses over the last two seasons, Bernard Pierce has 38 rushing attempts for 169 yards with three scores. In the 17 wins, he’s gained 1,920 yards on 352 carries and had 23 touchdowns. Keeping him healthy is an obvious issue. The Owls, however, do have a very capable backup. Matt Brown rushed for 830 yards last season, filling in when Pierce was injured. Brown was suspended from the team in the spring but has been reinstated.

Consistency at quarterback has been an issue at Temple in recent seasons. Chester Stewart started the first seven games last season before losing his job. He impressed the new coaching staff during the spring. Mike Gerardi, who took over for Taylor, had his moments — both good and bad. Gerardi threw two interceptions in four of his six games. It won’t be a shock if junior college transfer Clinton “Juice” Granger makes a serious push for playing time.

The Owls must get better at the wide receiver position. All-MAC Michael Campbell is gone, but Rod Streater (30 catches) was the team’s 2010 Newcomer of the Year as a junior college transfer. Former running back Joe Jones, who started in 2009 but was injured last season, also returns. Evan Rodriguez, a first-team All-MAC pick last season, heads a deep group of tight ends.

The offensive line, with seven players returning who have started at least one game, should be solid.
 

DEFENSE

The Owls must replace two All-MAC defensive tackles, most notably Muhammad Wilkerson. Kamal Johnson, Levi Brown and Dante Weaver are the most qualified candidates. There’s better news at end, where Adrian Robinson, the 2009 MAC Defensive Player of the Year, is back for his third season as a starter.

Despite the loss of four-year starter Amara Kamara, the Owls’ linebacking corps is loaded with talent and experience. Tahir Whitehead and Quinten White Jr. should hold down the two outside positions, while former walk-on Stephen Johnson looks to be the guy to beat out in the middle.

The departure of free safety Jaiquawn Jarrett leaves a big void in the secondary, but there are two strong safeties with starter’s credentials — Kevin Kroboth (a former walk-on) and Justin Gildea. Kee-ayre Griffin, who was recruited as a running back, is the Owls’ top cornerback.
 

SPECIALISTS

Brandon McManus has been a quality placekicker since his arrival two years ago, although his point production did drop off some last season. Now he might have to handle the punting as well, taking the place of four-year starter Jeff Wathne. Redshirt freshman Andrew Cerett was in line to be the punter, but he’s been suspended until at least the end of the summer.

FINAL ANALYSIS

Al Golden made Temple football relevant, winning a total of 22 games over the last three seasons — the best three-year stretch at the school since the late 1970s. He took the Owls to their first bowl game since 1979 and guided the program to a 20–12 record in its first four seasons in the MAC.

Golden is now the boss at Miami (Fla.), but don’t expect the Owls to disappear. New coach Steve Addazio, the former offensive coordinator at Florida, has everything in place — a stout defense, All-America-caliber running back and solid offensive line — to compete for a MAC championship.