Perhaps the most prominent Temple blog on the internet, The Owl's Nest has continued to provide Temple fans with excellent analysis of each and every game, as well as hosting it's very own podcast system. If you haven't noticed, Cherry & White Nation recently partnered up with The Owl's Nest, and there site's link is posted on the sidebar for easy access.
I was lucky enough to be able to ask a few questions to The Owl's Nest manager, Dave Gerson, regarding the upcoming football season. Enjoy!
1. Okay, the "Bernard Pierce for Heisman" campaign is off and running. But with a handful of other competitors for the Heisman, such as Alabama's Mark Ingram and Penn State's Evan Royster, do you believe Pierce has a realistic to bring home the hardware this season?
I think that the main purpose of this "Heisman" campaign was to sell tickets. Of course, you want to get the Temple name out to as many people as possible. This campaign, you might notice, hasn't really gotten out further than the Philadelphia area because that's where all the advertising is going to. The main idea is to sell tickets to the Mayor's Cup, and make people want to come out and see an All-American in Philly.
It would be nice to see B.P. get more and more exposure, but I personally feel that a push during his sophomore year is a little premature. If he can do even better than his 2009 performance this season, I think we'll start to see more and more discussion. Junior year is when people can make better assessments. Who knows though? If Temple could beat Connecticut, Penn State, and sweep the MAC I think that'd be the only way that Pierce would have a legitimate shot this season.
2. Following up that Pierce Heisman question, is the sophomore back even the best running back in the state of Pennsylvania? (Penn State - Evan Royster, Pittsburgh - Dion Lewis)
Pennsylvania is arguably the deepest state in the country as far as talent goes in the backfield. Evan Royster is a two-time 1,000 yard rusher playing in one of the best conferences in the country. Right now I feel that he is deserving of the "best" halfback, if there truly was one.
Lewis and Pierce have put up similar numbers against common opponents, but one might argue that a level of talent played against gives D.L the edge. I think it's too early to really grade Lewis and Pierce since they were both freshmen, so we'll get a better understanding of both of these players as they enter their second year of play.
I'd love to make the argument that Bernard Pierce is the best back in PA, though!
3. The biggest game of the season has to be at Penn State. However, Temple must avoid overlooking their first three games against Nova, Central Michigan, and UCONN before they take on the Nittany Lions. Do you think Temple will go into Happy Valley with a winning record?
The biggest game of the season is of course Penn State, but I might not necessarily say that this game is the most important. Out-of conference games can have major impacts on teams, but as it did last year Temple's post-season plans obviously are determined by how we play in the MAC (I would say Northern Illinois and Ohio are the most important games in-conference). I want to beat PSU.
I have a firm belief that the Owls will prepare much better for Villanova than they did last year. One thing that makes this year's game different than last year is that Bernard Pierce will see the field against VU. Pierce only had a few touches last year since he was a freshmen, and admits that he wasn't really prepared to even play.
Count Villanova as a win, along with Central Michigan. I think with LeFevour out and a new head coach/style of offense, this is a team that might be a little vulnerable near the beginning of the season.
Connecticut is tough to say, because I really do believe if the Owls have enough momentum we can beat them. A win over a Big East team will really beef our resume for not only this season, but in the years ahead (if we want to make a case that we deserve a Big East, ACC, other conference big) as well. UCONN is a possible favorite to win the Big East as well.
The Owls could potentially go into Happy Valley undefeated. If this happens, I really think that PSU fans will be a little nervous, and we can finally give them a run for their money. Temple needs to play smart football up to September 25th.
4. Temple's quarterback play in 2009 wasn't spectacular, but how do you see Chester Stewart performing in 2010?
Coach Golden admitted himself that nobody should be certain about the quarterback situation just yet. Chris Coyer, a highly regarded freshman QB, along with Mike Gerardi and freshman Connor Reilly will all give the starting position a run. Chester is the most experienced of the bunch, and I'd expect to see him get the job.
He needs to utilize his mobility a lot more in my opinion. Also, miscommunication with the center seemed very common with him. There's no questioning his arm strength, it was merely a matter of accuracy and precision.
I believe Coach Golden will choose the most talented and best prepared quarterback for the season opener.
5. Give us your final verdict: How many wins will Temple finish with, and can they get to back-to-back bowl games?
My heart says we go 11-1. My mind says 9-3/8-4. We're going bowling once again.
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