On the verge of the newest era of Temple football, Steve Addazio has a modest goal for his Owls.
Sing the fight song.
“Find a way to win the game,” said Addazio. “You’ll never hear me say anything more than that. Find a way to sing that fight song in the locker room, and don’t get caught up in anything else.”
Even if the Owls beat Villanova Thursday night, Addazio says they’ll still have plenty of room for improvement. Especially since he still won’t reveal whether incumbent Mike Gerardi or Chris Coyer will start at quarterback.
One other possibility, Chester Stewart, who started the first seven games last season, is out. Stewart and cornerback Kee-ayre Griffin are suspended for at least one game after violating an unspecified team rule.
No matter what happens against Villanova, Addazio and his players will want more.
“Sometimes opening day can fool you,” said the first-year Temple coach. “I’m realistic to know that the most growth in a team comes between games one to four.”
His players say the transition has been almost seamless.
“He’s perfect for our program,” said junior Morkeith Brown, who was moved from tight end to defensive end. “He tells it like it is. He brought in what he thought we needed to get better. A lot better. So the expectations are turned up a bit higher.”
