2009 Temple Owls Predictions
2008 Record: (5-7, 4-4)
Coach: Al Golden, 4th year (10-26 at Temple)
Off. Coordinator: Matt Rhule (2nd year)
Def. Coordinator: Mark D’Onofrio (3rd year)
Returning Starters: 17, (7 offense, 8 defense, kicker, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No

Need winning college football predictions each week? Visit ATS Consultants and sign-up for the free sports picks newsletter for college football betting information and free college football picks

Offense: The Owls’ offense produced just 23.4ppg and 298.1 yards per game (107th in the nation). They lose qb Adam DiMichele, but feel they have two excellent options in junior Vaughn Charlton (6-4, 235) and sophomore Chester Stewart (6-3, 225). Charlton was the starter in 2007 when DiMichele suffered a season-ending leg injury. Charlton played in seven games, completing 78 of 137 passes for 808 yards and three touchdowns. Stewart started three games last season and threw for 524 yards and four TDs. At running back, they have several capable backs, including sophomore Joe Jones and senior Lamar McPherson. The wide receiver position is a strength, led by senior Jason Harper, who caught 33 passes for 571 yards. They return just two starters on the offensive line, including sophomore Wayne Tribue (6-4, 312), who moves from left guard to center.

Defense: The defense returns eight starters from a unit that allowed 23.1ppg and 388.0 yards per game (81st in the nation). The leader up front is senior Andre Neblett (6-2, 295), who had 36 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles, is an All-MAC selection. Senior DE Junior Galette (6-2, 246) is a strong pass rusher, who had 7.5 sacks last year and 16.5 career sacks. The linebackers are led by senior Alex Joseph (6-2, 243), a big hitter, who recorded 87 stops last year. In the secondary, FS Jaiquawn Jarrett (6-2, 195) led the team in tackles with 88 and three picks. They also add CB Anthony Ferla (5-10, 190), who missed last season due to injury.

Outlook: The Owls face Villanova and Army at home, with Penn State and Navy on the road. They also take on Buffalo at home, which can’t hurt. Temple is certainly on the upswing and they’ve appeared to find a home in the MAC, where they can be competitive with most of the programs.

This MAC conference prediction is courtesy of the ATS Sports Blog. If you are looking for winning college football betting picks be sure to choose ATS Consultants this year, A featured sports handicapping service on Touthouse.com