2013 starts now for Temple Owls

Feel the burn.

That’s the message Steve Addazio wants to get across to Temple this offseason. The Owls’ 38-20 loss to Syracuse last weekend ended their season a bit too prematurely for the coach’s liking.

Even as young and inexperienced as Temple was, finishing their first season in the Big East with a 4-7 record simply wasn’t good enough.

“Everybody’s on notice,” said Addazio. “I challenged the team [Monday] that this is not what this program is about. We should be practicing in December. So this offseason won’t be a box of chocolates. It’s 2013 in my mind right now.”

In the nine months between now and the Aug. 31 opener at Notre Dame (“You had to remind me we open at Notre Dame, who might be national champs,” groaned Addazio), the coach wants his players to truly commit themselves to the program. He believes that’s one thing that’s been missing.

“I want this team to have tremendous pain and sacrifice in the offseason,” said Addazio. “I want their investment to be deep in the program with work, effort and sacrifice. That’s called chemistry. You have to build a bond.”

The Owls also need to find a quarterback. Whether it’s Chris Coyer, “Juice” Granger or Penn State transfer Kevin Newsome, Temple needs someone to step up next year.

“The quarterback position has to be huge,” said Addazio. “The quarterback has to be a great leader who has the knack of making plays at the most important times. We fell short of that this season.”