2013 Temple
College Football
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Schedule and Odds
At least Temple doesn’t have to worry about joining a better Conference like the Conference-USA schools have to. After going from nine wins in 2011 to Four wins in 2012, the Owls hope to get back on track this season. However, it’s going to be extremely difficult with only nine starters returning on the entire team. A new coaching staff comes in led by head coach Matt Rhule who had multiple coordinating positions with Temple from 2006-2011.
Talk about a new offense. The Owls only return three starters from last year’s group. One of them is their second leading receiver from last year, but he’s now a left tackle. Should it be mentioned that last year’s quarterback is now a fullback? New quarterback Connor Reilly steps in even though he has never attempted a college pass. He’ll take the lead in a new no-huddle offense that will most likely improve on last season’s 120.8 passing yards per Game (one would hope). The running Game is also a question as Kenneth Harper takes over who only compiled 65 yards last year. Jalen Fitzpatrick leads the receiving core, but there’s a lot of inexperience as Temple used to be a power-running team.
The defense returns six starters and all three of their linebackers so at least it’s a starting point. They struggled for the majority of last season and will be key if the Owls want to reach Four wins again. Giving up 47 points to teams like Pittsburgh and 34 to Cincinnati can’t happen if Temple wants to succeed.
2013 Temple Football Schedule
Aug. 31 at Notre Dame
Sept. 7 vs. Houston
Sept. 14 vs. Fordham
Sept. 28 at Idaho
Oct. 5 vs. Louisville
Oct. 11 at Cincinnati
Oct. 19 vs. Army
Oct. 26 at SMU
Nov. 2 at Rutgers
Nov. 16 vs. UCF
Nov. 23 vs. Connecticut
Nov. 30 at Memphis
Things couldn’t be more difficult for the Owls offense as they open the season on the road at Notre Dame. Reilly is going to need all the luck he can get in his first college Game. LUckily, the defense-deficient Houston Cougars are next which could possibly be a win if Temple’s defense can slow down Houston’s offense somehow.
Two more wins against Fordham and Idaho could be on the slate before they get into more AAC action. That’s when Temple gets Louisville and Cincinnati which will be trouble. Back-to-back road Games at SMU and Rutgers won’t help either. The good news is that they have a couple favorable matchups to end the season, home to Connecticut and at Memphis. Who knows how the Huskies are going to play, and the Tigers are on the same talent level as Temple.
It would be surprising if the Owls could surpass last season’s Four wins, but the defense should be able to keep them around against plenty of lower level teams. Two wins in Conference play could mean five wins overall if all goes well with the offense.