During training camp, I wrote that Temple’s three biggest weaknesses were its offensive line, its wide receivers, and its defense. You’d think that by now I’d have written a new article righting my wrongs. But instead, I just seem to make a point in every one of my articles about how wrong I was.
This was partially because I didn’t want to jinx the Owls. But when I saw Tulsa on the schedule this week, I knew that no amount of broken mirrors and black cats could possibly hurt Temple’s chances. (Ohhh shots fired.) But it was also because nobody could have expected head coach Matt Rhule to turn things around so quickly.
So here is why you can’t blame me and why you can blame me for saying what I said.
Offensive Line
What I said: “Rhule has recently confessed that center Kyle Friend and right tackle Eric Lofton are the only two starters that he’s ready to name … And that’s where the concerns are coming from—inexperience. The other linemen that are reportedly running with the one’s right now are Brendon McGowen and Dion Dawkins (both sophomores) along with Shahbaz Ahmed, who played defensive end all of last year.”
Why you can’t blame me: The offensive line allowed 23 sacks in P.J. Walker’s eight starts last year. This year, he’s been sacked just four times in four games. And I know what you’re thinking: The Owls lost so many games last year; they were playing from behind all the time and had to pass.
You make a good point. But they actually weren’t playing from behind at all last year. According to the official Temple athletics website, the Owls held the lead or remained tied through 85 percent of their games (306 of 360 minutes). Add in the fact that four of the Owls starting linemen didn’t return this year and that this year’s starting five would include a freshman and no seniors.
Why you can blame me: NFLDraftScout.com has Kyle Friend ranked as the 8th-best draft prospect at his position. He was the only Owl to start every snap last year and did so as a sophomore. He put Louis Nix in quicksand in last year’s game against Notre Dame. He’s also on the watchlist for the Rimington Award. Friend isn’t just one of the best linemen in the AAC, he’s one of the best in the nation.
Wide Receivers
What I said: “So what is Temple’s biggest concern? It has to be the wide receivers. This is a pass-first offense with nobody to pass the ball to.”
Why you can’t blame me: This is pretty much indefensible. I attributed this to lack of experience—last year’s slot receiver, Jalen Fitzpatrick, would become this year’s number one. After him, just one receiver, John Christopher, had more than seven receptions last year. Throw in the fact that Rhule’s offense is pass-first, I thought this would be a disaster.
Why you can blame me: All of the above. Fitzpatrick and Christopher were two proven receivers coming into the season. Throw in running back Kenneth Harper, who is a proven pass catcher, and that’s at least three solid targets that I should have accounted for. So far, 15 different players have a reception this year (tied with UConn and SMU for most in the conference) and Colin Thompson, maybe their best tight end, hasn’t played a game yet.
Defense
What I said: “Everybody seems bearish on this defense, but I disagree. I bet by midway through the season I’ll be writing an article declaring them the best defense in the conference and one of the most efficient in the nation.”
What I actually said: “Temple has more returning starters on defense than offense. And that might actually be a problem.”
Why you can’t blame me: The Owls defense was atrocious last year. Who thought a first year coach with a 2-10 record on his resume could completely overhaul that in one offseason?
Why you can blame me: Temple’s run defense was solid last year, and those were the guys that came back. Linebacker Tyler Matakevich is one of the best run-stoppers in the conference. Nate Smith and Sherif Finch aren’t far behind him. The problem last year was the pass defense. Opponents could pass against Temple and they knew it. None of the secondary returned. Rhule made it his priority in the offseason: three of its top five recruits were defensive backs.
Yes, I admit, what I said was wrong. I blame Rhule. Temple’s biggest weaknesses last year are arguably its biggest strengths this year. Rhule shouldn’t have done such a good job and made me look bad. I made mistakes. But hey, that’s what training camp is for.
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