Stewart named Temple’s starting QB

Temple football coach Al Golden made it official Saturday that redshirt junior Chester Stewart had won the Owls' starting quarterback job.

Stewart has started seven games during his Temple career, including four last season when he went 26 for 65 passing for 514 yards, with three touchdowns and three interceptions. Stewart also rushed for two scores.

"I informed the team earlier today that we are naming Chester Stewart as our starting QB," Golden said on Saturday. "Indeed we will continue to cultivate an organization where competition exists at every position, and the quarterback is no exception. However, it's apparent to the staff, and perhaps more significantly his teammates, that after two weeks of training camp, Chester has unmistakably distinguished himself as the starting QB both on and off the field."

Stewart will be backed up by redshirt freshman Chris Coyer and redshirt junior Mike Gerardi.

Temple opens the 2010 season Sept. 3 against Villanova in the second annual Mayor's Cup at Lincoln Financial Field. Kickoff is 5 p.m.