Temple starting to look like other Birds playing at the Linc

The team that plays at the Linc is in the midst of a losing streak. The left-handed starting quarterback has been plagued by turnovers and inconsistency and the offense has had trouble scoring all season, yet the coach insists they’re heading in the right direction.

Sound familiar? Only this isn’t about Andy Reid and Mike Vick. This is Temple.

On Saturday, the Owls will attempt to snap a four-game skid at Army. They have been outscored, 161-54, with southpaw Chris Coyer accounting for six turnovers and completing less than 50-percent of his passes during that stretch.

Yet Steve Addazio admitted he always sees the glass half full, even if no one else does.

“We’ve played some pretty darn good football teams that are the cream of our league,” said Addazio, who learned Monday that a proposed 12th game at Hawaii was off the table. “We’ve played good at times and poor at times. But I don’t see a mindset that’s down because we’ve lost four in a row. I do see a tired team that’s a little beaten up right now.”

While Coyer has had his moments behind center, Addazio says this week he’s holding an open quarterback competition between Coyer, Clinton “Juice” Granger and Penn State transfer Kevin Newsome.

“I’m going to let that thing fight out a little bit,” said Addazio. “I think it brings the best out in everybody. I’ll look at the whole picture; the whole body of work.”

The Owls know this might be their last chance for victory. After Army, it’s a home date with Syracuse, a team that just knocked off previously unbeaten Louisville.

“Inconsistency for us is popping up all over the place because of our youth and inexperience,” said Addazio.

Funny, the guy whose team shares the building with him, Andy Reid, is saying pretty much the same thing.