Temple's Palumbo welcomes challenges

John Palumbo became more than a three-year starting center at Temple. He developed into the offense's unquestioned leader and a team captain.

The 6-foot-6, 312-pounder embraces his alpha dog role.

He's the one who reminds teammates before every practice that they'd better work at a strong pace.

He's the one who calls out teammates when they fail to give maximum effort.

And he's the one who is an extension of the coaching staff on the field.

"We really try to listen to him and understand that he's been there," Temple quarterback Mike Gerardi said. "We know that he knows what he is talking about."

On Saturday, the fifth-year senior, who received a criminal justice degree in May, will lead the Owls into one of the biggest games in program history. Temple (2-0) hopes to snap a 28-game losing streak against Penn State (1-1) when they meet at noon at Lincoln Financial Field.

Palumbo likely will play a vital role. But he will have to contend with Penn State defensive tackles Devon Still and Jordan Hill.

Still, a 6-5, 310-pounder, has been the Nittany Lions' most impressive player through two games. In addition to his 10 tackles, the Camden native has been a nightmare for offensive coordinators.

Hill, a 6-1, 297-pounder, has 13 stops, half a sack, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.

"This is probably the best kids we will play against all year," Palumbo said.

But, as his teammates expect, he's up for the challenge.

"Coach talked to us about really focusing on our technique and playing our hardest," Palumbo said, "and good things will happen."

Good things have happened to Temple during his tenure as the starting center. Palumbo helped lead the Owls to a bowl appearance in 2009. And, after finishing 9-4 in 2009 and 8-4 in 2010, Temple enjoyed its first back-to-back winning seasons in 30 years.

Now he's on a team that has outscored its first two opponents by 83-10.

"I was just nervous about playing the [center] position, because it was different," said Palumbo, who started five games at right guard as a redshirt freshman and played tackle at Queen of Peace High in Bergen County, N.J.

"At first, even snapping and stepping was really difficult for me," he added. "As I learned the position more, I learned to love it."

Just as he learned to love his role as the offensive leader.

"My position kind of demands leadership, because I'm the guy on the ball," Palumbo said. "I'm on the ball, making the adjustments, calling out blitzes, and reading defenses.

"So that kind of forces you to be a little vocal."