For years there was nothing tough about the Temple University football team.
Their mascot, the Owls, didn't strike fear in the hearts of any opponents and neither did their record. Temple has not had a winning season since 1990 and had back-to-back 11-loss seasons before joining the Mid-American Conference in 2007.
"We're trying to change Temple football," coach Al Golden said. "We're trying to be a tough team and emulate the city we play in."
In Golden's fourth year, the Owls seem close to accomplishing that goal. Temple is 2-2 and 2-0 in MAC play after beating the University at Buffalo and Eastern Michigan University.
Their resurgence is no surprise to Ball State University coach Stan Parrish.
"They finished very well last year," he said. "Al's a very good coach. He really went through the growing pains with them."
As Temple has tried to become a tougher team, their defense has taken on a greater role in the team. Nose guard Andre Neblett said defensive coordinator Mark D'Onofrio has brought out the toughness in his unit.
"I've never had a problem being tough," Neblett said. "Growing up in a single-parent home, you bring that toughness with you."
Neblett is a force Ball State's young offensive line will have to deal with Saturday. Last week against the University of Toledo, the offensive line had to deal with a multitude of blitzes and the loss of right tackle Dan Mannick, whose status is uncertain after suffering a knee injury.
"The right side is a work in progress," Parrish said. "Center Kregg Hunter had his best game since he's been here."
Temple has become more of a defense force this season. The Owls are giving up 20.2 points per game and even then-No. 5 Penn State University only scored 31 points in their victory.
Saturday will be the first ever meeting between the two teams. Temple is finishing its cycle of MAC West opponents since joining the conference two years ago.
"We haven't seen Ball State before," Golden said. "Toledo is new as well and this [was] our first time to Eastern Michigan. All three West teams are new somewhat to us."
But Golden pointed out that the two schools are connected in more than sports. "It'll be a matchup of [David] Letterman and [Bill] Cosby," Golden said.
Golden said he is happy with being a part of the MAC. Temple spent two years as an independent after leaving the Big East.
"The MAC is a great fit for Temple," he said. "I'm excited about the bowl opportunities. It's a great time to be in the conference."
Year-by-yearTemple won five games last season, which was the most in one season since 1990 - the program's last winning season.
2008: 5-72007: 4-82006: 1-112005: 0-112004: 2-92003: 1-112002: 4-82001: 4-72000: 4-71999: 2-9
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