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As both the Demon Deacons and Owls prepare for the Military Bowl in 12 days, both programs have been in the news for very different reasons. Wake Forest has been mired by betrayal of a former player and coach, Tommy Elrod while Temple has lost their coach, Matt Rhule, to Baylor after consecutive 10-win seasons and a conference championship.
With a coach departing like Rhule did, many of his staff are expected to leave for Baylor as well, although most are still expected to coach the bowl game as a “last hurrah”. Rhule will not coach the bowl game as he continues his transition to replace former Wake Coach, Jim Grobe, at Baylor.
Temple has hired a replacement coach as well as Geoff Collins is leaving Florida to be the next head man in Philly. The Owls’ program has been almost a “feeder” school for Big 5 Head Coach jobs, with the last three coaches going on to take jobs at Miami (the U), Boston College, and now Baylor. With so much recent change happening, one could imagine that it would be advantageous for the Deacs. However, because many of the players at Temple are seniors (12/22 starters), including Phillip Walker (4 year starter and 10,000 yard passer), look for the Owls to stay very motivated for this game as they want to “go out on top” and revenge their disappointing bowl loss last season, after giving up 20 points in the fourth quarter.
The Demon Deacons may have their own controversy, but look for them to just be happy about playing a game while being assured that their gameplan and “special plays” aren’t being distributed out beforehand.
As always, Go Deacs!
Editor’s Note: I’m new to Blogger So Dear. As a former Wake Alum who had classes with Robert, I look forward to providing you guys with Wake sports related articles. Thank you in advance for your time and attention. Go Deacs!