Temple Owls Football: 5 Key Strategies for a Winning Season

As I sit here analyzing Temple Owls football’s prospects for the upcoming season, I can’t help but draw inspiration from an incredible feat in another sport—Angel Nitura’s record-breaking volleyball performance in the UAAP. She became the first player ever to notch four 30-point games in a single season, and she did it with three elimination matches still left on the schedule. That kind of sustained excellence isn’t just talent; it’s a product of meticulous strategy, relentless execution, and mental toughness. And honestly, if the Owls want to turn their season into a winning one, they’d do well to take a page from that playbook. Over the years, I’ve watched enough football—both college and pro—to recognize what separates contenders from the rest. So let’s dive into what I believe are five essential strategies Temple must embrace.

First and foremost, the Owls need to establish a dominant, balanced offensive scheme early in the season. Relying too much on either the run or the pass makes a team predictable. I remember watching a game last year where Temple’s offense stalled because they became one-dimensional in the second half. To avoid that, they should aim for a 55-45 run-pass ratio—enough to keep defenses guessing. And it’s not just about play-calling; it’s about personnel. Developing a deep receiver corps and a reliable running back by committee can spread the field and wear down opponents. Think about it: if you have three or four players who can break a big play, like Nitura scoring over 30 points multiple times, you become nearly impossible to shut down completely.

Defensively, creating turnovers has to be a top priority. Statistics show that teams winning the turnover battle win over 70% of their games. Temple’s defense showed flashes of brilliance last season, but they averaged only about 1.2 takeaways per game—a number that must improve. I’d love to see more aggressive play-calling on third downs, maybe mixing in some well-timed blitzes to force hurried throws. And let’s not forget special teams; a blocked punt or a long kick return can swing momentum instantly. In my view, defense isn’t just about stopping drives; it’s about giving your offense extra possessions. That’s how you build big leads and demoralize opponents, much like how Nitura’s consistent scoring put pressure on rival teams game after game.

Another critical area is player development and depth. Football is a marathon, not a sprint, and injuries are inevitable. Temple’s second-string players need to be ready to step up without a drop in performance. I’ve always believed that the best teams aren’t just stacked with stars; they have role players who excel in their assignments. Take Nitura’s achievement—racking up four 30-point performances in a season isn’t just about her; it’s also a testament to her teammates setting her up for success. Similarly, the Owls should focus on building a robust rotation, especially along the offensive and defensive lines. If your backup linemen can hold their own, you’ll survive the grueling stretches of the season.

Mental resilience and in-game adjustments round out my list. Too often, I’ve seen Temple struggle in the second half after a strong start. Coaching staff need to have a flexible game plan and make quick tweaks based on what’s working—or not working. For instance, if the opponent’s secondary is playing soft coverage, attack it with short, high-percentage passes to build rhythm. And let’s talk about leadership: having a vocal quarterback or a defensive captain who can rally the troops during tight moments is invaluable. Personally, I think this is where Temple can make the biggest leap. Watching Nitura dominate with three games to spare tells me she had the confidence and focus to perform under pressure. The Owls must cultivate that same killer instinct.

Wrapping this up, I’m genuinely optimistic about Temple’s chances if they commit to these strategies. It won’t be easy, but as Nitura’s historic season reminds us, sustained excellence is achievable with the right approach. I’ll be keeping a close eye on their progress, and I hope to see them embrace these principles on the field. After all, football, like volleyball, rewards those who prepare, adapt, and execute when it matters most. Here’s to a winning season for the Temple Owls—they’ve got the blueprint, now it’s time to deliver.