X’s and O’s Breakdown: How Temple can exploit Charlotte’s defensive weaknesses

Tagged under: Gameday Hub, News, Pennsylvania Colleges, Temple

Mike Livingston | October 15, 2026

Temple’s offense found its rhythm early against UConn last Saturday. On its first offensive snap, quarterback Ajani Sheppard connected with JoJo Bermudez for a 79-yard touchdown. Later in the first quarter, wide receiver Colin Chase found tight end Peter Clarke for another score on a trick play.

Then the Owls stalled.

Temple managed just six points over the final three quarters in a 34-20 loss, dropping to 2-4 entering the second half of its season.

Saturday’s matchup against Charlotte (0-6, 0-2 American) presents an opportunity for offensive coordinator Tyler Walker to establish a more consistent approach.

The 49ers have surrendered 466.8 yards and 42.2 points per game, ranking among the worst defenses nationally in both categories. They’ve also allowed 32 offensive touchdowns through six games, evenly divided between the ground and air.

For Temple, the formula should begin up front.

Establish the run to open the passing game

Temple has built much of its offensive identity around the running game.

The Owls average 201.5 rushing yards per contest, ranking 33rd nationally and fifth in the American Conference. They have rushed for at least 100 yards in all six games, including four performances exceeding 200.

Charlotte, meanwhile, has allowed 184 rushing yards per game, ranking 118th nationally.

The 49ers’ struggles were particularly evident against Memphis on Oct. 3, when they surrendered 288 rushing yards in a 59-8 loss. North Texas followed by gaining 198 yards on the ground in last week’s 50-10 victory.

Those performances suggest Temple should make Keveun Mason and its other running backs the focal point of its early offensive possessions.

Walker can attack Charlotte between the tackles with inside-zone concepts, asking the offensive line to create movement at the point of attack before the running backs identify available gaps.

Against a defense allowing 4.5 yards per opposing rushing attempt, consistent gains on first down could leave Temple facing manageable second- and third-down situations.

Charlotte’s defensive front does possess one notable playmaker in senior linebacker Gavin Willis.

Willis leads the 49ers with 47 tackles and five tackles for loss. Against Louisiana on Sept. 26, he recorded 2.5 tackles for loss as Charlotte held the Ragin’ Cajuns to 292 total yards.

Temple’s offensive line must account for Willis, particularly when he approaches the line of scrimmage to attack rushing lanes.

The Owls can also use Sheppard’s mobility to create additional pressure on the defense. His ability to threaten the edge gives Charlotte another potential ball carrier to defend, particularly through designed quarterback runs or read-option concepts.

If Temple establishes the run early, it should create favorable situations for Sheppard to attack Charlotte’s secondary.

Target Charlotte’s vulnerable secondary

Few defenses nationally have struggled against the pass as much as Charlotte.

The 49ers allow 282.8 passing yards per game, ranking 132nd among 138 FBS teams and last in the American Conference.

Opposing quarterbacks have completed 138 of 189 passes against Charlotte, a 73% completion rate, while throwing 16 touchdowns and just two interceptions.

Memphis exploited those weaknesses on Oct. 3, throwing for 386 yards and six touchdowns. North Texas followed with 382 passing yards and five touchdowns last Saturday.

Those numbers should encourage Walker to expand Temple’s passing attack after Sheppard completed 19 of 25 passes for 260 yards and a touchdown against UConn.

Temple can build on its running game with play-action passes, forcing Charlotte’s linebackers and safeties to respect the possibility of another rushing attempt.

That hesitation could create space behind the linebackers for Clarke and give Bermudez and Chase opportunities to attack deeper portions of the field.

Bermudez demonstrated his explosive ability against UConn with his 79-yard touchdown reception, while Clarke finished with a season-high 88 receiving yards.

The tight end is also one receiving touchdown away from breaking Temple’s career record at the position, currently tied with Randy Grossman at 10.

Another potential approach involves attacking underneath coverage with short crossing routes and quick throws.

Rather than relying exclusively on deep passing plays, Sheppard can take advantage of Charlotte’s struggles in coverage by getting the ball out quickly and allowing receivers to create yards after the catch.

That strategy would also help neutralize Charlotte’s occasional success generating pressure.

The 49ers recorded three sacks and 10 tackles for loss against Louisiana, demonstrating that their defensive front can disrupt an offense despite the team’s poor overall statistics.

For Temple, the goal should be balancing explosive plays with efficient, sustained possessions.

Force Charlotte into passing situations

Defensively, Temple faces an offense that has struggled to move the football.

Charlotte averages just 287.8 total yards and 16 points per game, ranking 131st nationally in both categories.

The 49ers have also converted only 26.7% of their third downs, the second-worst rate nationally.

Temple should look to exploit those weaknesses by controlling early downs and forcing Charlotte into predictable passing situations.

Charlotte’s rushing attack averages just 101.5 yards per game, ranking 129th nationally.

Its leading rusher, Khamani Alexander, has 216 yards and three touchdowns on 46 carries. Henry Rutledge follows closely with 208 yards and one score on 35 attempts.

Although both running backs have produced long touchdowns this season, Charlotte has struggled to establish consistent rushing production.

Temple’s defensive front should prioritize maintaining gap discipline and preventing those backs from reaching open space.

Stopping the run on first and second down would create opportunities for defensive coordinator Brian L. Smith to increase pressure on Charlotte’s quarterbacks.

The 49ers have played both Cole Gonzales and Conner Harrell this season.

Gonzales has completed 79 passes for 802 yards, three touchdowns and seven interceptions, while Harrell returned to the starting lineup against North Texas after a season-ending injury in 2025.

Harrell threw for 218 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in his first start of 2026.

Charlotte’s Week 7 depth chart lists both quarterbacks as potential starters, making it important for Temple to prepare for either.

Regardless of the starter, the 49ers have struggled to protect possession. They’ve thrown nine interceptions and lost six fumbles through six games.

Temple can capitalize by forcing longer third-down situations, where the quarterback must hold the football or attempt more difficult throws.

However, pressure must remain disciplined.

Allowing Harrell or Gonzales to escape the pocket and extend plays would give Charlotte opportunities to exploit coverage breakdowns.

Keep Charlotte’s explosive plays contained

Charlotte’s offense has lacked consistency, but its most dangerous moments have come on explosive plays.

Against Memphis, Rutledge broke free for a 75-yard touchdown run.

One week later, Harrell connected with Derrick Eley for a 75-yard touchdown against North Texas.

Both scores came on one-play possessions, marking the first time since 2014 Charlotte had produced one-play scoring drives in consecutive games.

Alexander also recorded a 66-yard touchdown run against The Citadel in the season opener.

Those three plays illustrate the danger of allowing Charlotte’s skill-position players to reach the open field.

Temple experienced its own defensive breakdowns against UConn, surrendering a 39-yard touchdown run by Kenji Christian in the first quarter.

The Owls must maintain their responsibilities at the line of scrimmage while preventing receivers from getting behind their defensive backs.

Jaden Barnes presents another challenge.

The senior receiver has caught 35 passes for 343 yards, ranking second in the American Conference in receptions. He caught nine passes for 94 yards against North Texas.

Temple can attempt to limit Barnes by keeping defenders close enough to contest underneath routes while maintaining safety help against Eley’s deep-play ability.

The goal isn’t necessarily preventing every Charlotte completion. It’s limiting yards after the catch, eliminating explosive touchdowns and forcing the 49ers to execute consistently over long possessions.

Charlotte’s poor third-down efficiency suggests those extended drives will be difficult to sustain.

The bottom line

Temple enters Saturday with advantages across nearly every major offensive category.

Its rushing attack averages approximately twice Charlotte’s production, while the 49ers’ defense has allowed more than 40 points per game.

The Owls should be capable of establishing the run, opening up play-action opportunities and creating favorable matchups for Sheppard and his receivers.

Defensively, stopping Charlotte’s rushing attack on early downs and forcing its quarterbacks into uncomfortable situations could help Temple generate turnovers and control possession.

But the Owls’ execution remains the deciding factor.

Temple has demonstrated an ability to produce explosive plays throughout the season. Its greater challenge has been sustaining that production while avoiding mistakes.

Against a winless Charlotte team, the Owls have a chance to show they can translate a favorable matchup into four quarters of consistent football.