The conference's newest member, Temple, completes our series today. The Owls enter their inaugural Big East campaign as the preseason's eighth- and last-place preseason team in the conference.
For more from this series, click here.
Three reasons why Temple will win the Big East
1. Quarterback play: Chris Coyer has developed into a leader for the Owls, capping a great bowl performance last season with a strong spring. Coyer is a great runner who limits mistakes. He will need to take the next step as a passer this season, especially since he will likely be tasked with throwing much more in the Big East than he was in the MAC.
2. Secondary: The Owls return three cornerbacks who combined for 17 starts last season, and Justin Gildea is back at strong safety. If highly-touted freshman Nate Smith can produce at free safety in his first year, the Owls' pass coverage should be strong.
3. Running back: Boston College record-setting running back Montel Harris joins Temple for his final college season, and he will be paired with two-time All-MAC rusher Matt Brown. Harris is the active career rushing leader among FBS players, and at full health he and Brown will ease the loss of Bernard Pierce to the NFL.
Three reasons why Temple won't win the Big East
1. Offensive line: Of course, Harris and Brown won't produce so much if the guys up front don't protect for them, and that's a legitimate question heading into 2012. The Owls must replace four starters, with senior right tackle Martin Wallace being the only returning starter from a unit that was outstanding at opening holes for Pierce last season. Center Sean Boyle has extensive playing time.
2. Linebacker: Temple was a great defensive team last season but returns just five starters. Blaze Caponegro is the only returner among the linebackers, who lose 193 total tackles and 18 tackles for loss from the duo of Stephen Johnson and Tahir Whitehead. Ahkeem Smith will have to step up for the Owls.
3. Depth: The Owls' 10 returning starters are the fewest among all Big East teams. Keep in mind, too, that this school was recruiting and competing in the MAC before this year. Frankly, to expect the Owls to immediately compete for a conference crown may be asking too much, though the school's re-dedication to football should make for a good long-term match with the conference.
For more from this series, click here.
Three reasons why Temple will win the Big East
1. Quarterback play: Chris Coyer has developed into a leader for the Owls, capping a great bowl performance last season with a strong spring. Coyer is a great runner who limits mistakes. He will need to take the next step as a passer this season, especially since he will likely be tasked with throwing much more in the Big East than he was in the MAC.
2. Secondary: The Owls return three cornerbacks who combined for 17 starts last season, and Justin Gildea is back at strong safety. If highly-touted freshman Nate Smith can produce at free safety in his first year, the Owls' pass coverage should be strong.
3. Running back: Boston College record-setting running back Montel Harris joins Temple for his final college season, and he will be paired with two-time All-MAC rusher Matt Brown. Harris is the active career rushing leader among FBS players, and at full health he and Brown will ease the loss of Bernard Pierce to the NFL.
Three reasons why Temple won't win the Big East
1. Offensive line: Of course, Harris and Brown won't produce so much if the guys up front don't protect for them, and that's a legitimate question heading into 2012. The Owls must replace four starters, with senior right tackle Martin Wallace being the only returning starter from a unit that was outstanding at opening holes for Pierce last season. Center Sean Boyle has extensive playing time.
2. Linebacker: Temple was a great defensive team last season but returns just five starters. Blaze Caponegro is the only returner among the linebackers, who lose 193 total tackles and 18 tackles for loss from the duo of Stephen Johnson and Tahir Whitehead. Ahkeem Smith will have to step up for the Owls.
3. Depth: The Owls' 10 returning starters are the fewest among all Big East teams. Keep in mind, too, that this school was recruiting and competing in the MAC before this year. Frankly, to expect the Owls to immediately compete for a conference crown may be asking too much, though the school's re-dedication to football should make for a good long-term match with the conference.
Matt Fortuna | email
College Football- ESPN.com Notre Dame blogger
- Joined ESPN.com in 2011
- Wrote for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Andrea Adelson
Adelson joined ESPN.com in 2010 after spending time as a college football columnist at The Orlando Sentinel. She has covered college football since her days as a University of Florida student, and lives in Orlando, Fla.
Matt Fortuna
Fortuna joined ESPN.com in 2011 after working for MLB.com and the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, where he covered college sports. He grew up in New York and is a Penn State graduate.
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