Temple’s Offensive Line Anchors Surprising Turnaround Season

Temple Football is winning again. The Owls are 4-3 under new head coach K.C. Keeler. A much-improved offensive line is a primary reason for the success.

The unit’s stability has been key. Right tackle Diego Barajas leads a group that has started together consistently.

Barajas Emerges as a Pillar on the Right Side

Diego Barajas has been a rock at right tackle. The team captain has started every game this season. His individual performance has seen a dramatic upswing.

According to Pro Football Focus, Barajas has not allowed a single sack. He has surrendered just one pressure in conference play. This is a stark improvement from his four sacks allowed last year.

His comfort level is a major factor. Barajas was given the choice to focus solely on right tackle. He has taken full advantage of the positional consistency.

Collective Unit Strength Fuels Offensive Surge

The entire offensive line’s health has been a game-changer. The same five starters played the first six games together. This continuity has built trust and improved execution.

The results speak for themselves. Temple’s offense averages 33 points per game. That ranks fifth in the American Athletic Conference.

The improved protection has been vital. It has given the Owls’ playmakers time to operate. This has transformed the team’s offensive identity.

The Temple offensive line’s new-found strength has the program on the cusp of bowl eligibility. This marked improvement is the foundation for the team’s resurgence. Diego Barajas and his teammates are building a winning identity in the trenches.

Thought you’d like to know-

How has Temple’s offensive line improved from last season?

The line has benefited greatly from health and consistency. The same five starters began the season together. This has led to better communication and fewer sacks allowed.

What are Diego Barajas’s key stats this year?

Barajas has not allowed a quarterback sack in 219 pass-blocking snaps. He has given up only one pressure during AAC conference play. His performance is a key reason for the offense’s success.

How close is Temple to becoming bowl eligible?

The Owls need just two more wins to reach the six-win threshold. This would be the program’s first bowl-eligible season in six years. Their current 4-3 record puts them well within reach.

What is the impact of the offensive line’s health?

Starting the same five players builds crucial chemistry. It allows for more complex blocking schemes. This directly translates to more time for the quarterback and bigger running lanes.

Why did Barajas switch to right tackle?

New offensive line coach Al Johnson gave him the option. Barajas had finished the previous season at right tackle. He felt focusing on one position would maximize his performance.