Philadelphia, PA -- (Sports Network) - 2007 SEASON IN REVIEW: It's not often a major college football program would consider a four-win season an achievement, but then there was the Temple Owls. Temple has been a nightmare on the football field for nearly two decades, and the school has not posted a winning ledger since going 7-4 back in 1990. The 2007 campaign opened exactly like the previous two seasons for the Owls, as the team dropped its first five games, losing four of those by double digits. However, unlike the previous Temple teams, the '07 squad was able to turn the tide in dramatic fashion, beginning with a thrilling 16-15 win over Northern Illinois. The excitement continued for coach Al Golden's club, as it used three fourth-quarter TDs, including one in the final minute, to slip past Akron, 24-20. Riding a wave of momentum, the Owls once again found the win column, defeating Miami-Ohio, 24-17. The win over the RedHawks gave the Owls their first three-game win streak since 1990.

Unfortunately the good times came to an end, as the Owls were dominated in back-to-back contests by Ohio University (23-7) and Penn State (31-0). Temple was able to close out its home schedule in style, defeating Kent State in a 24-14 final, but that would be the last victory of the year for the young Owls, as the team finished with a 16-3 setback to Western Michigan. As mentioned previously, it is hard to deem a four-win season a success, but since Temple only won four total games from 2003 to 2006, it was definitely a step in the right direction.

2008 ANALYSIS:

OFFENSE: The Owls posted an anemic 16.4 ppg in 2007, but with every starter from the offense returning for this new season, the Owls should show tremendous improvement. Offensive progression begins up front, and over the past few seasons the line has been the biggest weakness for Temple. However, in '08, it could be the team's strength, as all five starters return, including senior center Alex Derenthal. "(Alex) has a secured spot," said coach Golden, "We've been pleased with the direction that Devin Tyler has gone since the spring. Devin's now the starter at left tackle. Those two right now are the starters today. Alex is the only one that has a spot that's his. At the same time, we're going to be working both Chris Tremel and Wayne Tribue behind Alex to create some depth and start with some transition as part as an understudy. I'd have to say the rest of it is wide open."

Obviously benefiting the most from a solid front line will be the running backs. The Owls have not been able to average more than three yards per carry over the past three seasons, but with talent in the backfield, coach Golden has options. With last year's leading rusher, Justin Harper (586 yards and five TDs) making the move to wide receiver, the door opens for Marquise Liverpool, who ironically will be making the transition from WR to RB. Harper will join Bruce Francis and Dy'Onne Crudup as quarterback Adam DiMichele's primary targets. Francis was one of the most consistent players on the field for Temple last season, and could prove to be one of the top receivers in the MAC this year.

As for DiMichele, he is the main cog in the TU offensive machine. Now a senior, the signal caller completed an impressive 61.9 percent of his passes last year, but a lack of protection left him vulnerable week after week. With a stronger line, DiMichele could have his best season this fall.

DEFENSE: Just like the offense, the Temple defensive unit will have all 11 starters back for the '08 season, and that should be extremely helpful in the team's progression. The front line allowed 165 rushing ypg last season, and while that is far from acceptable, it is an improvement from the two previous seasons when the team was pounded for more than 200 ypg on the ground. With all four starting defensive linemen back, the Owls have experience and toughness up front for the first time in a few years. Junior Galette is the anchor for the line, and is coming off a tremendous '07 campaign in which he collected 7.5 sacks.

The linebacking group is headed by standout sophomore Amara Kamara. Kamara, who started all 12 games last year, should continue to blossom into one of the most productive LBs in the MAC. While the front line and linebackers should be much improved, the defensive backfield is the most experienced group of Owls. Strong safety Dominique Harris is the heart and soul of this defense, and is coming off a tremendous 2007 season in which he led the squad with 81 tackles. Harris should once again be the top defensive player for Temple, and if all goes right, he could be one of the top safeties in the MAC.

SPECIAL TEAMS: The kicking game was woeful last season for the Owls, and even with both kicker Jake Brownell and punter Jeff Wathne back, the special teams unit could be the only negative aspect for this up and coming squad. Brownell connected on just 13-of-21 FGs in '07, including a mere 1-of-4 from beyond 40 yards, and as for Wathne he struggled tremendously in netting just 31.9 ypp. Travis Shelton and Jamal Schulters did a solid job with kick returns last season, and should be able to continue their success this year.

OUTLOOK: After picking up four victories last season the Owls are poised to take another step forward in 2008. Both the offense defense should be improved and with a tremendous leader in DiMichele, Temple could post its first winning season in 17 years. There is one thing standing in the way, however, and that is a formidable schedule. Temple must endure seven road games this year, including five in its first seven outings. If the Owls can avoid early pitfalls, they could shock the college football world by posting a winning ledger.