Picks and Predictions for the Temple Owls

Here are the most recent expert picks for upcoming Temple Owls’ games:

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Temple Owls History

Temple University’s football program dates back to 1894, making it one of the older programs in college football. Over the years, the Owls have experienced periods of success and challenges, often fluctuating between independent status and conference affiliations. Notably, under coach Wayne Hardin in the 1970s, Temple achieved national rankings and bowl appearances, highlighting the program’s potential.​ Craving expert game breakdowns? Dive into our NCAAF previews for all the play-by-play.

In the 2000s, Temple faced significant hurdles, including a brief expulsion from the Big East Conference due to performance issues. However, the program rebounded by joining the Mid-American Conference and later rejoining the Big East, which became the American Athletic Conference (AAC). Under coaches like Al Golden and Matt Rhule, Temple saw a resurgence, culminating in back-to-back 10-win seasons in 2015 and 2016.​

Despite recent struggles, including a 3-9 record in 2024, the Owls remain a program with potential. The hiring of K.C. Keeler as head coach in 2025 brings renewed optimism, given his successful track record at previous programs. With a focus on rebuilding and leveraging the talent-rich Philadelphia area, Temple aims to reestablish itself as a competitive force in the AAC. Want a full roster deep-dive? Visit our NCAAF team hub for stats, depth charts, and insider intel.

Temple Owls Timeline

• 1894: Temple University fields its first football team.
  
• 1935: The Owls play in the inaugural Sugar Bowl, losing to Tulane.
  
• 1979: Temple defeats California in the Garden State Bowl under coach Wayne Hardin.
  
• 1991: Joins the Big East Conference.
  
• 2004: Expelled from the Big East due to performance issues.
  
• 2007: Joins the Mid-American Conference (MAC).
  
• 2009: Achieves a 9-4 record and a bowl appearance under coach Al Golden.
  
• 2012: Rejoins the Big East Conference.
  
• 2013: The Big East becomes the American Athletic Conference (AAC).
  
• 2015: Under coach Matt Rhule, Temple posts a 10-4 record and wins the AAC East Division.
  
• 2016: Wins the AAC Championship Game against Navy.
  
• 2025: Hires K.C. Keeler as head coach to lead the program into a new era.

Temple Owls Stats

The 2024 season was challenging for the Owls, finishing with a 3-9 record. Offensively, Temple averaged 19.6 points per game, ranking 121st nationally. The team struggled both in the air and on the ground, with inconsistent quarterback play and a lack of explosive plays. check out our latest college football picks and ride the winners.

Here is a look at the current stats for the Temple Owls this season:

Temple Owls Roster for 2025

The 2025 roster features a mix of returning players and new additions aiming to revitalize the program. Quarterback Evan Simon is expected to lead the offense, bringing experience and a strong arm to the position. He’ll be supported by a backfield that includes Joquez Smith and E.J. Wilson, both of whom showed flashes of potential in the previous season.

Temple Owls Injury Report

As of the latest reports, the Owls have no significant injuries impacting the roster.

Temple Owls Betting Outlook and Trends for the 2025 Season

With a new coaching staff and a roster blending experience and fresh talent, the Temple Owls present intriguing betting opportunities in the 2025 season.

Home Field Advantage at Lincoln Financial Field

Historically, the Owls have performed better at home, and with renewed energy under Coach Keeler, they may cover spreads more consistently in Philadelphia. Bettors should monitor home game lines, especially against mid-tier AAC competitors.

Potential for Second-Half Improvements

With a new coaching philosophy under K.C. Keeler, expect Temple to play more disciplined and structured football in the second half of games. Keeler is known for in-game adjustments and managing tempo, which could help Temple claw back into games or slow down high-scoring opponents. Bettors may find value in Temple second-half spreads, especially when they’ve underperformed in the first half and the live lines shift.

Defensive Unders in Conference Play

Temple’s offense struggled to finish drives in 2024, and while the defense gave up points, the lack of offensive tempo often suppressed total play volume. If the defense improves even modestly under the new staff, we could see tighter, lower-scoring games—especially in matchups against similarly rebuilding AAC teams. Bettors should keep an eye on totals that are posted in the mid-to-high 50s, as Temple may become a sneaky “under” team when the matchup pits them against inefficient offenses.

Betting the Bounce-Back Year

With expectations low after a 3-9 season, the Owls may offer early-season line value. Public perception could create favorable underdog lines against more established conference foes, but Temple has the potential to exceed their projected win total if quarterback play stabilizes. This is a team bettors should evaluate weekly—not one to write off entirely.

Owls Betting Trends from Last Season

Temple’s 2024 season revealed some key betting patterns that sharp bettors will want to note heading into 2025:

• Overwhelming Struggles Against the Spread: Temple posted a 3-9 ATS record, failing to cover in many games where they were underdogs by 10 or more points. The defense often gave up quick scores, and the offense couldn’t generate enough to keep up, making the Owls a risky team to back.
  
• Totals Often Flew Over: With both a leaky defense and turnovers on offense, Temple games were often high-scoring—going over the total in 7 of 12 games. This trend was especially prevalent in conference play, where explosive AAC offenses exposed the Owls’ secondary.
  
• Slow Starters in First Halves: Temple frequently fell behind early, averaging under 10 points in first halves across the season. Bettors who faded Temple early or bet first-half unders were often rewarded, as the Owls rarely struck early and often took a while to find rhythm.

Key Players for Betting on the Temple Owls

These five players are expected to shape how Temple performs in 2025—and how you might find value in player props or team-specific bets:

Evan Simon – Quarterback

Simon enters 2025 as the projected starter, and while his 2024 reps were limited, he showed flashes of arm strength and poise. If he can reduce turnovers and connect on deep balls with receivers like Wright and Stewart, bettors may find value on over yardage props—especially in games where Temple is expected to play from behind. His legs also make him a threat for rushing props in red-zone packages.

Joquez Smith – Running Back

Smith brings speed and agility to the backfield, and he could be Temple’s most consistent offensive weapon this season. He’s elusive in space and can catch passes out of the backfield, making him a dual-threat for prop bettors. If the Owls commit to a balanced attack, Smith could hit rushing yard overs in soft matchups and be a decent play for “anytime touchdown” bets.

Dante Wright – Wide Receiver

A dynamic slot receiver and return specialist, Wright led the Owls in receiving in 2024 and is expected to be a safety valve for Simon. His ability to break open in the middle of the field makes him a volume-heavy target. Wright could be a strong option in receptions and receiving yard props, especially in games where Temple is trailing and throwing often.

Ty Davis – Linebacker

The heartbeat of the Temple defense, Davis is a tackling machine with a nose for the ball. He anchors the middle of the field and will be crucial in limiting explosive plays against conference opponents. While not often featured in betting markets, Davis impacts opponent rushing totals and helps the case for unders in grind-it-out matchups.

Ian Stewart – Wide Receiver

Stewart missed most of 2024 with a quad injury but returns as a big-bodied, physical receiver with red zone appeal. If healthy, he could lead the team in touchdown receptions and become a go-to target in jump-ball situations. For bettors, Stewart is worth watching in “first TD scorer” and alternate touchdown markets as he ramps up in the early part of the season.

Temple Owls Schedule

Here is a look at some of the upcoming games for the Temple Owls. Be sure to check back daily for updated scores and odds for Owls’ games.

Bet Smart on the Temple Owls This Season

The Temple Owls may not be a household name in the betting world, but that’s exactly why savvy bettors should pay attention. With a fresh coaching staff, promising transfers, and a roster eager to bounce back, Temple has all the makings of a team that can exceed expectations—and offer real value on the betting board. Whether you’re eyeing underdog spreads, second-half wagers, or breakout player props, there’s profit potential here for those willing to dig deeper than the headlines.

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