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Updated: August 18, 5:41 PM ET Infusion of JuCo talent sparks Temple By Jorge Milian Special to ESPN.com |
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Temple Owls
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Coach: Bobby Wallace (16-40, 6th season) 2002 overall record: 4-8 Conference record: 2-5 Returning starters Offense: 6, Defense: 4, Kicker/Punter: 1 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Tanardo Sharps (1,276 yds) Passing: Mike McGann* (1,994 yds) Receiving: Zamir Cobb* (483 yds) Tackles: Jamal Wallace (96) Sacks: Dan Klecko (10) Interceptions: Yazid Jackson* and Terrance Leftwich (3 each) Outlook: There have been times in the past when Temple was accused of playing like a junior college team. This season, the Owls will look like a junior college team thanks to the addition of 23 players from two-year schools. Coach Bobby Wallace, who has brought some respectability to Temple despite serious handicaps, had little choice in recruiting. With 13 starters to replace and few top high school players wishing to sign on to a program that lives in limbo, Wallace went the junior college route. The Owls lost their best players to graduation, including 1,000-yard rusher Tanardo Sharps and Big East Defensive Player of the Year Dan Klecko. Junior quarterback Mike McGann returns, but he struggled greatly in Temple's no-huddle, spread offense throwing a conference-high 22 interceptions and just 13 touchdowns passes. Five starters return on defense, but none in the secondary. If the junior college guys don't come through in a hurry, the Owls could find themselves looking up the Big East standings at Rutgers. Key game: Of Temple's first five games, only the Sept. 6 meeting with Villanova is at home. If the Owls want to show they belong in Division I-A, a victory over the Division I-AA Wildcats is a must. Keep an eye on: Temple's future in the Big East. The Owls are supposed to play their last season in the Big East in 2004, but the departure of Miami and Virginia Tech could give the program a second life in the conference. Playing in Lincoln Financial Field could help Temple's cause with the Big East, although the conference is likely to look elsewhere before inviting the Owls back into the fold. It's a good year if. . .: Temple wins four games. Only three games -- Villanova, Middle Tennessee and Rutgers -- appear winnable on paper. Eight of Temple's 12 opponents played in bowl games last year. Further stacking the deck against the Owls -- only five of their 12 games will be played at home. Jorge Milian covers the Big East for the Palm Beach Post.
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