Trying to rebound from a rough 70-16 loss to Bowling Green last weekend, Temple University will try to focus its attention on Pitt Saturday.

And that includes looking in a different direction.

"We had our heads down Saturday afternoon after the game, but we had a meeting and (outside safeties coach Spencer Prescott) talked of bouncing back," said junior defensive tackle Adam Fichter, a Mars High graduate.

"He gave everyone a tennis ball with the idea 'Bounce Back. Beat Pitt.' So, until the game, we've been bouncing the balls everywhere we go," Fichter added.

At this point, the Owls (1-4 overall, 0-0 in the Big East) will try just about anything to reverse its run of poor football.

The program has suffered through 13 consecutive losing seasons and hasn't played in a bowl game since 1979.

To make matters worse, the Big East in 2001 decided to boot the Owls out of the conference next season.

The Owls have been unable to turn the corner in Fichter's time in Philadelphia. Now, he has been affected personally, beginning with Saturday's game against the Panthers.

Having started all five games to open the season, Fichter won't start this weekend as the coaches try a change of pace.

"I think they want to change things up a little bit," said Fichter. "Hopefully, I see myself getting as much time in as I usually do. They just want to throw a wrinkle in there."

Through five games this year, Fichter has 14 total tackles, 1½ tackles for loss, one sack, one quarterback hurry and one forced fumble.

As a sophomore last year, Fichter played in 10 games, including four starts, and made 18 tackles and an interception. As a redshirt freshman in 2002, he played in five games, with one start coming against Miami.

With a new defensive line coach in Rubin Carter, Fichter has had to adjust to a new style, but has been enjoying the ride.

"I believe I've gotten better with Coach Carter," said Fichter. "He's changed a lot of things. It seems easier to make plays. He knows the game. He's been in the NFL and he's full of knowledge. I want to keep improving with each game."

No matter what the Owls is, the have played the Panthers tough in recent years.

"Pitt and Temple always play really good games, no matter who's been good or bad," said Fichter. "Last year, they had (wide receiver Larry) Fitzgerald, the quarterback (Rod Rutherford) and a solid offensive line.

"Hearing that they've had a letdown, we're still not taking this as an easy game," Fichter added.

What happens to the Owls starting next year is unknown. The might play as an independent, unless they can join a conference. There's even been talk of dropping the program a few years down the road.

"I'm not looking ahead to next year," said Fichter. "If I can say it, maybe we'll be an independent and play a lot of good teams. People think Temple is an easy game.

"But we need to go out and practice hard and practice like winners. Once you get rid of that losing mentality, you're going to stop losing."