Last donation: Heriberto S., McDonough, GA, 4/24/23 (thanks, Heriberto!!) Two on 4/14/23 (thanks to Joe F. and Ross M. ); Tom W., Palm Coast, Fla. 2/18/23 (thanks, Tom!!!)Ed P., Yardley, Pa. (1/9/23; thanks, Ed,) Lawrence S., West Chester, Pa., 12/28/22, our first contribution in over a month (thanks Larry, this will help in having to replace the printer we purchased in the summer that went on the fritz); Bob C., Chadds Ford, Pa., 11/27/22 (thanks Bob, our first contribution since September) Ed P., Perkasie, Pa. who donated 9/24/22 at the UMass game and Ed and I both remember and love Pennridge coach Wayne Helman; Joe S. (Delaware County), 9/3/22 (thanks Joe, hope to see you at Lafayette or RU); James G. (thanks James and for all the great posts you make on this site),, 7/29/22: Matt P. (former Al Golden player, thank you Matt for the generous donation it will be put to good use as we will explain in Monday’s post), 6/9/22; Matt F., Horsham, Pa. (thanks, Matt!!), June 6, 2022; David, B., Milton, DE (thanks, Dave), April 11, 2022: Andy B., Philadelphia, Pa. (our first donation of 2022, thanks Andy), March 3, 2022; Ed P., Yardley, Pa. 12/25/21 (thanks, Ed for the Christmas donation); Matt F., no hometown found (“a celebratory donation for Carey’s firing”), 11/30/21 thanks, Matt; Jon E., Cincinnati, Ohio, 11/29/21 (thanks, Jon for the donation and the great comments on this site); James G., Royersford, Pa. 11/28/21 (thanks, Jim, for the donations and your comments on the website); Anonymous (no home town given but donation really appreciated), 11/20/2021; Roger D., Rehoboth Beach,, Del., 10/24/21; Joe S., Drexel Hill, Pa. 10/3/21 (thanks, Joe) At the BC game (9/18), John from Landenburg (thanks, John for being a great friend of this site for so many years); Three Aug. 21 donations: Eric A (former player), Atlanta, Ga; Anonymous (by request), Cincinnati, Oh; Tim R., Buffalo, N.Y. (sincere thanks to all); David N., Silver Springs, Md (thanks Dave) 7/10/21; former Temple player Matt P., who lives in Columbus, GA now (thanks Matt) 7/9/21; Joe F., Philadelphia (4/7/11, thanks Joe) Matt F., Horsham, Pa., 3/27/21 (thanks, Matt); Jon E., Cincinnati, Ohio (1/31/21, thanks Jon) Ed P.,, Yardley, Pa. (thanks, Ed, much appredicated), 1/16/21; Mitchell S. , 12/21/20, our first contribution since (10/8) earlier, Former Owl Bruce G., Flourtown, Pa, who generously donated $100 in “honor” of the Ambler guy 10/8/20; (if they hate you in Ambler, we love you in Flortown,” BG says). Thanks, BG, we appreciate it; Earlier: James G., Philadelphia (7/21/20, thanks James) Robert B., Philadelphia (7/13/20, thanks, Bob, hope to see you at the tailgates again this fall); Previous: Jon E. from Cincinnati 6/15/20, our first donation this calendar year (thanks, Jon); Earlier, John from Landenberg; Kurt B., Wyomissing Hills, PA (former Temple player, 10-15-19) Earlier: David B. , Springfield, PA (9/26/19 … thanks, Dave!) also John from Landenberg (9/21/19); Tom W., Palm Coast, Fla. (8/22/19, thanks Tom!! Also, 10 days earlier, Bob. C and Joe S. and, on June 26, first bowl MVP Mark B.
Earlier: Matt F., Philadelphia; Matt P. (former Temple player) John from Landenberg and Jon E. from Cincinnati
Jay M. no hometown found ; Earlier: William B. Chicago; John from Landenberg, ; Mark B, South Jersey, Joe S, Springfield, PA…,
Also:
Ed P., Perkasie, Pa; and Richard W. (no hometown given); Phil E., Lorton, Va.; Tim C., no hometown available; Bob C., David B., Springfield (Montco); Mark B., from South Jersey; John from Landenberg, Pa.; Joe S., Primos, PA; Thomas W., Palm Coast Fla; Jon E., Cincinnati; Mike S.,no hometown; Ed P., Yardley; William B., Chicago; Matt M., Philadelphia; Matt T.., Oreland; Kevin H., Philadelphia; John from Landenberg, Pa.; Carl M, Silver Spring, Md.;; Brett K., Swedesboro, N.J.; Joe S., Primos, Pa.; Ed M., Paoli, Pa.; Phil E., Lorton, Va.; Ross M., Garden City, NY; David K., Malvern; Jon E., Cincinnati ; Jon, SE Ohio; Cordalia and Jim S., Eastampton, NJ.; Herb G., Newport News, Va.; Richard W., Royersford; Matt T., Philadelphia, Pa.; MWB, Mechanicsville, Va.; Phil E., Lorton, Va.; K.J., Alexandria, Va.; Jeff D., Philadelphia,; Michael R., Philadelphia,Matt T, Philadelphia, Pa.; Ed M., Paoli, Pa.(8 in a row for 8 in a row, thanks EM); Jake and Diane Gicker, Dunmore, Pa.; Ed M., Paoli, Pa.; Adrian R. Sr., Harrisburg, Pa.; Frank M., Marlton, N.J.; Ernie, Millville, N.J.; ; Jay M., Salem, Ore.; Joe S., Primos, Pa.; Phil E., Lorton, Va; Tom W., Palm Coast, Fla.; Matt M., (five donations in a row); Kevin F., Philadelphia, Pa.;Matt M. (three donations in a row, thanks, Matt); Matt M.; Matt M.; Brian C., Philadelphia, Pa.; Matt M., Hometown ;Unknown; David N., Silver Spring, Md.; Matt M., hometown unknown; Frank K., Horseheads, N.Y.; Mike F., Montauk, N.Y.; John, Landenberg, Pa.; Michael B, D.C.; Joe S., Primos, Pa.; James G., Philadelphia, Pa.; Michael R., Philadelphia, Pa.; David N., Silver Spring (Md.);
Mark H., Gilbertsville, Pa.; Lisa M., Hummelstown, Pa.; Johnny Who, West Chester, Pa.; John T., Medford, N.J. (formerly North Catholic, Philly); Jon, SE Ohio; Jay M., Salem, Ore.; Dan M., Moscow, Pa.; Cyrus, Oklahoma City; Jon E., Cincinnati; Chris K., Harrisburg, Pa.; Chip M., Silver Spring, Md.; Dave B., Springfield, Pa.; Kent J., Alexandria, Va.; Ross M., Garden City, N.Y.; Joe S., Primos, Pa.; Ed F., Philadelphia, Pa.; Frank P., Jamison, Pa.; Jon E., Cincinnati, Ohio; Phil E., Lorton, Va.; Matt G., Haddonfield, N.J.; Tom L., Charlottesville, Va.; Thomas S., Landisville, Pa.; Jack D., Haddonfield, N.J.; Heriberto S., McDonough, Ga; Dr. Jim S., Mt. Pleasant, S.C.; Dick White, Milton, Del.; Matt T., Philadelphia; Jerome S., North Caldwell, N.J.; Mike D., Fairview, N.C.; Tim W., Myerstown, Pa.; Edward P., Yardley, Pa.; Tom W., Palm Coast, Fla.; Kurt B., Wyomissing, Pa.; Joe S., Primos, Pa.; Tom S., East Norriton, Pa.; Jon E., Cincinnati, Ohio; Matt T., Yardley, Pa.; Steve C., West Chester, Pa.; Floyd, Blackwood, N.J.; Jim J., Chalfont, Pa.; John, Landenberg, Pa; Jon E., Cincinnati; Ron A., Camp Hill, Pa.; Jay S., Jenkintown, Mr. John H.; Jonathan N., Atlanta, Ga.; Michael E., Levittown, Pa.; Ted D., Media, Pa. Nick and Sharon, Upper Bucks County; Phil E., Lorton, Va.; Todd H., New York City; Alex H., Westport, CT; Joe S., Primos, PA; Kent J., Alexandria, Va.; Ross M., Garden City, N.Y.; Stanley G., Mountain Top, Pa.; David N., Silver Spring, Md.; Micah F., Philadelphia, Pa.; James S., Mt. Pleasant, S.C.; Tom W., Palm Coast, Fla.; Johnny B. at the Hill Studio, Paulsboro, N.J.; Nick C., Philadelphia; Tom C., Birmingham, Ala.; Phil. E. (Fast Phil), Lorton, Va; Jerome S., North Caldwell, N.J.; Kent J., Alexandria, Va.; George P., Downingtown, Pa.; Edward F., Philadelphia; Bryan S., North East, Pa.; Josh P., West Chester, Pa.; Brent Z., Atlanta, Ga.; David B., Springfield (D), Pa; Lisa M., Hummelstown, Pa.; David H., Pottstown, Pa.; Brian O., Ambler, Pa; Frank P., Jamison, Pa.; Brian C., Philadelphia; Mark B., Manlius, N.Y.; Ted D., Media; Scott J., Columbus, Ohio; Thomas H., Mullica Hill, N.J.; George T., Rehoboth Beach, Del.; Rob G., Fleetwood, Pa; Steve C., West Chester, Pa.; Fred A., St. Augustine, Fla.; Michael S., Westfield, N.J.; John, Landenberg, Pa.; Kent J., Alexandria, Va.; Frank P., Jamison, Pa; Matt G., Basking Ridge, N.J.; Joe S., Primos, PA; Nick and Sharon, Upper Bucks County; John T., Medford, N.J.; Cap P., Finksburg, Md; Coolowl, New York City; Michael B., Washington, D.C.; Oakee, Salem, VA; Rob from Fleetwood; John from New Kensington; Kathyrn, Bloomingville, Ohio; Rockland Owl; Matt, Haddonfield, N.J.; Anthony, New York City; Jason F., Berlin (N.J.); Ed, New Hope; Mark B., Manlius, N.Y.; Mike, Lindenwold, N.J.; Tom C., Birmingham, Ala. Jim, Mt. Pleasant, S.C.; Kurt, Wyomissing Hills, PA;
Dave, Ocean City, N.J.; James, Chalfont; Ross, Garden City (N.Y.); Schmitty, Ocean City, N.J.; Sarge (via Schmitty);
Broad Street Leon; Martin, Encino (Calif.); John, Boston; Mike, Susannanoa, N.C.; Francis, Lansdale; Tom L., Charlottesville, Va.; Mark, Gilbertsville, Pa.; Frank, Sebastian, Fla.; George, Toms River, N.J.; Tom, Branchburg, N.J.; Chris, Philly (our first Philly donation!); John, Landenberg, Pa.; Tom S. East Norriton, Pa.;
With UCONN gone, outside of Navy (which is a different situation in terms of recruitment), the Owls are the only conference team located in the northeastern part of the country. I would think that we would continue to go heavily after talent in PA and NJ and do more in NYS. Yes Florida has a rich talent pool, but there are many good choices that a graduating high school senior has at to play at D1 level in that state and elsewhere in the south. Owls had 5 players from Florida on last year’s team at one point, 33 from PA, 20 from NJ and just 3 from New York State.
And yes, I believe Temple CAN be the new Cincinnati in the AAC!
Adding Chris Wiesehan was a big plus. He understands the culture here. So does Preston Brown, who gave a funny and pretty dead-on analysis of Rod Carey to a friend of mine. I hope they give Chris the special teams in addition to the OL if they can’t get Foley back.
Since it appears Rhule will get another year with Carolina suspect Foley will stay put on the staff there as well. I don’t know but would think he makes more $$ on an NFL staff than what Temple could pay
Might be prudent for him to get another job now because Rhule won’t last more than next year. Plus, he’d be coming home. Don’t know if that Temple opportunity would be available next year.
Good points, wonder if Wisenhan had similar thinking in coming back to TU. Collins seems to be done after next season unless he has a huge turn around there.
I liked Wiesehan. He helped put Owls into the NFL. As of now, Temple is not the next Cincy, but Philly may be the next Detroit. Great coaches is a tradition at Temple, but North Philly can’t compete with the rest of the AAC schools. Seriously need to move the program to the burbs.
It’s somewhat sad to think that Temple was on the path that Cincinnati has taken over the past few seasons. Rhule had left things in excellent position for Temple FB to elevate to the big boy table. That progress was detoured by lack of aggressive scheduling, the Collins hire, and the lack of building the OCS. Any and all momentum was evaporated under Carey.
Temple FB should take the John Chaney approach to non-conference games and will always be handicapped by playing FCS level competition. Collins was a good program manager but not the guy to get to the level Cincinnati is at now. How different the landscape would look now if the OCS had been built.
As KJ astutely notes regularly, all of this is a failure on the administration and BOT. I do have hope with a President and AD in place both with P5 experience on their resumes.
I’m sure Carey didn’t try to do it but, if he did, he could not have done much more damage to the program than he eventually did. Carey was the perfect storm. One of the last of the hard-ass coaches converging with the dawn of the transfer portal. Mix, stir and that’s a nuclear chain reaction Chernobyl type implosion of Temple football.
There’s always some hope at TU. In their football history there have been monumental downs, cellar level, and some ups no matter how bad things had gotten. So, hopefully our new coach will get things going upward. Hopefully it will be a new dawn of solid, consistent competitiveness.
Here are some players to pursue: (from Random Thoughts piece on RollBamaRoll)
The Hawaii state senate will be holding a hearing on the state of the University of Hawaii football program. There are two agenda items: “Budget and cost related to coaching staff contracts,” and “Issues relating to the transfer of players.” This meeting comes on the heels of the Warriors’ leading tackler Darius Muasau (64 solos, 45 assts, 7.0 sacks, 14.0 TFL) announcement of heading to UCLA. Muasau is the 15th Warriors player to enter the portal since the 2021 season came to a close. Even DB Michael Graham, son of coach Todd Graham is in the transfer portal.
Oklahoma QB Caleb Williams is going to explore transfer opportunities, but says he could remain at OU
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Former UCF quarterback Gabriel Dillon/Dillon Gabriel reneged on his commitment to UCLA and will transfer to Oklahoma where he’ll sit on the bench behind Caleb Williams. #LifeChoices
LOOKING FOR AN UPGRADE?
UCF’s leading tackler (108 tackles) linebacker Tatum Bethune wants out or Orlando.
Two-time All-Big Ten safety Joseph Brandon needs a better scene than Northwestern.
Tulsa defensive tackle Jaxon Player, an all-conference selection each of the last two years, is transferring as well.
Wake Forest running back Christian Beal-Smith, the team’s leading rusher the last two years, is looking for greener pastures. Call it the Kenneth Walker Effect.
Here we go again with the starting quarterbacks. San Diego State signal caller Lucas Johnson, who helped the Aztecs go 12-2 this year, has entered the TP.
“Hello Danny, this is Stan Drayton. I know we have not worked together, you were terrible at Colorado and Fresno St, and being a West Coast guy would you like to be our OC at Temple?”
Langsdorf, “Who are you again, and where is Temple?”
We are witnessing in real time the Texasfication of TUFB, orchestrated by AAC Commissioner Aresco.
Aresco pushed Temple to hire Johnson. Johnson hires Drayton. Drayton hires Texas native Tory Teykl as Director of Football Operations…,
Branding transition from Temple Tuff to Temple Texas is underway.
Ola Adams, Danny Langsdorf, and Antoine Smith are all poor recruiters. They have lousy recruiting history. Wiesehan was the weakest recruiter of all position coaches during his last stint at TU.
We have to keep praying.
Wow! Not much in the way of optimism for Owl football expressed here! It’s easy to see why of course, as we look back at the last two embarrassing seasons. There were various reasons contributing to that, among them COVID and the player transfer portal, But the primary responsibility for our current rock-bottom situation rests squarely on the shoulders of the former program-destroying HC, one Rod Carey. 2015 and 2016 seem like eons ago! If the new regime fails t turn things around, I fear this 127 year-old football program may very well have come to an end. College football is a whole different beast now than it was in the latter half of the last century. It’s mainly the haves and the have nots. It will take a monumental effort to bring this program back to respectability, but I believe it can be done! We’ve been down many times before but somehow survived. Go Owls!
Philadelphia is corrupt, and pro sports money in pols’ pockets is part of the prob. North Philly is a dangerous and hostile place as evidenced by three recent murders near campus, 540 homicides in 2021, and stadium stompers’ harassments. Solution: put out the For Sale sign. Move to the burbs.
Morgan Hall was built with a $5 million contribution out of the pocket of current BOT chair Mitchell Morgan (I’m sure it cost much more than that). The basketball practice facility cost $50 million. The LC cost $83 million. The EO cost $17 million, the Library costs $175.8 million, the Olympic sports complex costs $22 million but, yeah, let’s move to Amber and leave all that hardware on the battlefield. Geez, the U.S. didn’t leave that much money worth of equipment in South Vietnam in 1975. The ship of moving to Ambler sailed just before the LC was built.
Jim Graham, your last sentence echoes what I said earlier. Also, things may be different but TU football can still hang in there. But if we want to see improvement better decisions need to be made by the BOT and admin.
Dave, Instead of picking up the school and moving to the Burbs the University should get with residents, developers, local politicians (not a very sharp bunch), students, law enforcement and put a 5 year vision on what they want for the University within 5 years. Go any longer and the vision becomes a pipe dream. Richmond VA doesn’t have anywhere near the allure of Philly, but VCU got buy in from developers ($$$), residents and the City to expand their campus improving the area dramatically. Money pours into cafes, bars, delis, restaurants and other businesses. Student housing is a profitable sector of commercial real estate. It can work, it won’t be easy. You want a collegiate experience you will need some folks to move. Sorry. You need more police to enforce safety. You can’t have kids getting shot on their way into their apartments. As a type this I’m thinking this is a pipe dream and with the inept mayor and city council that a booming urban destination college may not be viable at TU. It’s a good school, you have to change the perception. U of Maryland years ago used to be a less than ideal academic school, it took awhile but they turned the corner. It is now a very good academic school and they have invested in the College Park area (which wasn’t a great area) improving the attractiveness of the University.
DJ Elliott’s stints as DC 😦
In 2018, Colorado finished 71st in total defense. In 2019, Kansas finished 120th in total defense. The next year they finished dead last, 128th. Notice the trend? Worst DC in all of college football. Kansas fired Elliott in 2020. He was out of football until Drayton called. Three consecutive really bad years, then sit out for a year….,
Why did Drayton call this guy? Same for the new OC. Both have far less than desirable track records and zero ties to the TUFB recruiting area.
So far, administratively TUFB has taken a dramatic swing towards Texas and the Big 12. The challenge is Carey left TUFB with a Little 5 roster.
He’s known for “stimulated” pressures. That means no pressure on the QB..the very antithesis of Temple football under Golden and Rhule.