Temple University Athletics
Temple Predicted to Finish Second in MAC Play
7.31.09 | Football
DETROIT (7/31/09) - The Temple Owl football team has been selected to finish second in the East Division of the Mid-American Conference this fall. The preseason poll, determined by 26 members of the league's media contingent, was announced at the annual MAC Football Media Day on Friday at Ford Field.
The Buffalo Bulls and the Central Michigan Chippewas were selected to win their respective divisions. The Chippewas also received 18 votes to win the Marathon MAC Football Championship Game.
Buffalo looks for back-to-back titles after defeating Ball State, 42-24 in last year's Marathon MAC Championship game. Akron was tabbed third, while Ohio was picked to place fourth. Bowling Green, Kent State and Miami rounded out the East Division selections.
In the West, Western Michigan was selected second. Northern Illinois was tabbed to finish third, while Toledo was picked to end the season in fourth. Ball State and Eastern Michigan rounded out this year's poll in the fifth and sixth slots, respectively.
Temple opens the 2009 season on Thursday, Sept. 3 with Villanova at 7 p.m. in the inaugural Mayor's Cup at Lincoln Financial Field.
Individual game tickets will be available via the Lincoln Financial Field Box Office and Ticketmaster at 215-336-2000 or 800-745-3000. Temple football season ticket and individual game ticket information can also be found online at www.OwlsTix.com.
2009 MAC FOOTBALL PRESEASON POLL
EAST DIVISION 1. Buffalo 155 2. TEMPLE 144 3. Akron 128 4. Ohio 116 5. Bowling Green 101 6. Kent State 51 7. Miami 33WEST DIVISION 1. Central Michigan 154 2. Western Michigan 126 3. Northern Illinois 103 4. Toledo 71 5. Ball State 58 6. Eastern Michigan 34
Marathon MAC Championship Game Winner Central Michigan 18, Western Michigan 4, Buffalo 2, Temple 2
TEMPLE QUOTES
Al Golden, head coach
Do you feel any pressure as the No. 2 selection in the East:
"No, there is no pressure. We came here to be a relevant team. All that says is that we're a relevant team now. But pressure is felt when you don't prepare. I think our coaches have prepared well. I think our players are prepared. So, no, there is no extra pressure. We didn't look at (the poll) when we were selected sixth, and we're not going to look at it now. It's not going to make us deviate one way or another from what our goals are today and that is to focus on the process and the preparation."
Dominique Harris, Safety
On Media Day:
"It's a great experience. It's very different. I've never seen this much media in my life."
What do you think of Ford Field, home of the MAC Championship:
"It's beautiful. I love it."
Are you looking forward to training camp opening:
"Oh, yes. I'm just ready to get started."
Andre Neblett, Nose Tackle
On Media Day:
"I've always dreamed about this experience since high school, meeting the media in college and getting a lot of attention. Today the media want to hear feedback from our team and what we've been doing."
Last night you had dinner with the other MAC player in attendance:
"It went great. We had a chance to see some guys that we didn't know, other guys from other teams. To see those guys when they're not in uniform, without those helmets, we all just connected last night. We had a good time."
Are you looking forward to training camp opening:
"Without a doubt. I can't wait to get it started. The sooner it starts, the faster it will end."
