The Temple Owls head into the 2024 season with significant challenges on the defensive side of the ball, primarily due to the departure of key playmakers. One of the biggest losses is linebacker Jordan Magee, who has moved on to the professional ranks. Magee was a standout for the Owls in 2023, leading the team with 80 tackles and 14 tackles for loss. He also tied for the team lead with 3.5 sacks. Replacing Magee’s production will be a difficult task for the Owls, as his presence was felt in both run defense and pass rush.
During the offseason, defensive coordinator Everett Withers introduced a new 4-3 defensive scheme, a significant shift from the strategies Temple has employed over the past few seasons. This change could bring some positive outcomes, particularly by adding more size and strength to the box. However, the transition also raises questions about how well the current roster will adapt to the new system.
In 2023, the Owls struggled to contain the run, allowing 198.3 rushing yards per game, which ranked them near the bottom of the American Athletic Conference (AAC) at 13th. They also managed to record only 22 sacks, placing them 10th in the AAC. The new scheme might help tighten up the run defense, but the question remains whether it will generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks…