Last season was a building block year for Temple's football program.
While their expectations may be higher, a 2016 writer's poll has the Owls again finishing in second place in the American Athletic Conference's East Division.
Temple received nine out of 30 first-place votes. South Florida is predicted to win the East, pulling in 15 of 30 first-place votes. Houston, last year's conference champion, is the favorite to repeat. The Cougars received all 30 first-place votes for the West Division. Temple lost to Houston in the conference championship game last season.
Matt Rhule's crew finished 10-4 overall and 7-1 in the AAC. It was just the second 10-win season in the program's history. Temple has never reach 11 wins or been in bowl games in consecutive seasons.
While the Owls are returning six starters — including starting quarterback Phillip Walker and star running back Jahad Thomas — they also graduated All-American linebacker Tyler Matakevich, defensive standouts Matt Ioannidis and Tavon Young, and center Kyle Friend.
The Owls open their season at home against Army on Friday, September 2. Kickoff time at the Linc is set for 7 p.m.