In review: A look at football’s highs, lows in its 2006 season

5 keys for the Owls in 2007 Quarterback Adam DiMichele Give DiMichele some time in the pocket and watch his statistics balloon. The red-shirt sophomore was constantly throwing on the run, which led to many

5 keys for the Owls in 2007

Quarterback Adam DiMichele

Give DiMichele some time in the pocket and
watch his statistics balloon. The red-shirt sophomore was constantly throwing on the run, which led to many of his 12 interceptions.

Travis Shelton and Bruce Francis provided
DiMichele two formidable receivers.
Wide receiver Travis Shelton After missing the season’s first half, Shelton ignited a stagnant offense upon his return. He
averaged nearly 200 all-purpose yards in
six games. Shelton’s blazing speed stretched opposing defenses and forced special team units to kick the other direction.

Offensive Line

The Owls’ biggest weakness on offense
needs to get larger in body mass. Only departing senior Elliot Seifert weighed 300 pounds and it showed. Temple quarterbacks were sacked more than all but three teams in the country.

Schedule

Finally, the Owls will get to work with a reasonable schedule. When next season rolls around, they will play a full Mid-American
Conference schedule and seven home games.

Rushing Defense

Only Northern Illinois failed to amount at least 100 rushing yards against the Owls’ dismal rushing defense, which ranked last in the nation. Three teams rushed for six touchdowns and Louisville – without Michael Bush – rushed for seven.

Season Highlights

Aug. 31

The Owls had a legitimate chance to open the season with a win, but failed to pound the ball into the end zone on three consecutive tries beginning at the two-yard line. Instead, they settled for a field goal and an overtime defeat.

Oct. 12

The football program donated $1,500 to the Fahmarr McElrathbey trust fund before its game against Clemson. The fund benefited Tigers’ Ray Ray McElrathbey, who gained custody of his 11-year old brother from his mother, a drug addict.

Oct. 21

The defensive unit contained Heisman Trophy hopeful Garrett Wolfe to just 45 yards, but the Huskies went to the air to build a 40-0 lead. The Owls’ offense, led by Travis Shelton, awoke to score three second half touchdowns.

Oct. 28

Temple ended the longest active NCAA Division I-A losing streak by topping Bowling Green on homecoming weekend. The victory was extra special for the players who had been on the field for the Falcons 70-7 and 70-16 wins in 2004 and 2005, respectively.

Nov. 11

Coach Al Golden and three Temple assistants returned to their alma mater, but their former coach, Joe Paterno, missed just his second game in 41 years at the helm. The Owls’ offense spoiled their return, managing just 74 total yards and two first downs.

They said it: Notable quotables

Aug. 23

Adam DiMichele, on the Owls’
quarterback situation:
“I think the team realizes that there really are four guys who can lead this team and I guess it’s just going to come down to who the coaches think can be the best.”

Sept. 14
Jaison Freeman,
academic coordinator:
“The [football players] are no longer satisfied
with Bs. They all want As. … It’s easy to say things have changed around here.”

Oct. 2
Elliot Seifert, on the offense’s woes:
“Coach Golden uses the phrase ‘keep pounding the rock and it’s going to crack.’ I think it’s going to crack.”

Oct. 23
Philip Simpson,
on holding Garrett Wolfe to 45 yards:
“My personal feeling is, I’d rather take a win and give him 300 yards.”

Oct. 28
Ryan Gore,
on notching the season’s first win:
“This is a great feeling … to finally be able to put our game together. I’m tired of coming
into a locker room where everybody’s heads are hanging down.”

Nov. 11
Al Golden, on Penn State coach Joe Paterno’s
absence:
“”I’m sure he was dying, chomping at the bit to get back. They probably strapped him down to keep him out of the stadium.”

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