Temple stunned by winless Charlotte, 38-31, as K.C. Keeler promises changes

Tagged under: Pennsylvania Colleges, Scores, Temple

Mike Livingston | October 17, 2026

PHILADELPHIA — Temple entered Saturday afternoon hoping to use a matchup against winless Charlotte to get its season back on track. Instead, the Owls walked off Lincoln Financial Field facing one of the most embarrassing defeats of K.C. Keeler’s coaching career.

Charlotte snapped a 15-game losing streak with a 38-31 victory over Temple, handing the Owls their second consecutive home loss and dropping them to 2-5 overall and 1-2 in American Conference play.

The 49ers (1-6, 1-2 American) entered the contest averaging just 16 points per game and had been outscored 109-18 over their previous two outings. But against Temple, Charlotte’s offense found little resistance, scoring 31 second-half points and repeatedly exploiting the Owls’ defense.

“That was the single most embarrassing game I’ve ever coached,” Keeler said.

For the longtime head coach, the loss was significant enough to warrant changes within the program.

“There will be some changes made,” Keeler said. “I’m going to have to make some changes.”

When asked whether those changes could involve his coaching staff, Keeler declined to elaborate, saying an announcement would come later.

The Owls entered Saturday as heavy favorites against a Charlotte program that hadn’t defeated an FBS opponent since November 2024. Temple had also won all three previous meetings between the programs, including last season’s 49-14 victory.

But those advantages meant little once the game began.

A slow start and a missed opportunity

Charlotte took control immediately, marching 67 yards in seven plays on its opening possession. Running back Khamani Alexander capped the drive with a one-yard touchdown to give the 49ers a 7-0 lead.

Temple’s offense, meanwhile, struggled early with quarterback Jaxon Smolik making his first start since suffering a foot injury against Toledo on Sept. 19.

The Owls punted on their opening possession, although running back Keveun Mason eventually provided a spark with a 21-yard touchdown run to tie the game at seven.

Charlotte continued moving the football, but Temple’s defense prevented additional first-half scoring with a missed field goal and a fourth-down stop.

With 4:32 remaining before halftime, Keeler turned to Ajani Sheppard at quarterback.

Sheppard immediately changed the complexion of Temple’s offense.

The junior orchestrated an 84-yard scoring drive, moving the Owls downfield through the air before finishing the possession with a seven-yard touchdown run.

The score gave Temple a 14-7 lead with 1:38 remaining in the half.

Less than 20 seconds later, the Owls appeared poised to extend that advantage.

Linebacker Avery Powell forced a Charlotte fumble, and Eric Stuart recovered before advancing the ball to the 49ers’ two-yard line.

Temple had four opportunities to reach the end zone and take a two-score lead into halftime.

It failed on all four.

After three unsuccessful rushing attempts, Sheppard rolled left on fourth down and found Hunter Smith near the goal line. The play was initially ruled a touchdown, but replay showed the ball hit the ground before Smith secured possession.

The reversal left Temple empty-handed despite beginning the possession two yards from the end zone.

Keeler pointed to the sequence as a missed opportunity that could have changed the game.

The Owls also suffered additional offensive line injuries during the half, with John Watkins and Kevin Terry leaving the contest.

Temple nevertheless entered halftime leading 14-7.

Charlotte takes control

Any momentum Temple carried into the locker room disappeared almost immediately.

Charlotte opened the second half with a six-play touchdown drive to tie the game at 14.

After Temple’s offense went three-and-out, the 49ers marched downfield again. Quarterback Conner Harrell scored on an eight-yard run, giving Charlotte a 21-14 advantage midway through the third quarter.

The Owls responded with one of their most explosive plays of the afternoon.

Sheppard connected with tight end Peter Clarke for a 31-yard gain before breaking free for a 44-yard touchdown run down the left sideline, tying the game at 21.

But Temple’s defense couldn’t maintain the momentum.

Charlotte regained the lead early in the fourth quarter on a nine-yard touchdown pass, putting the 49ers ahead, 28-21.

Again, Sheppard answered.

The quarterback connected with Clarke for a 46-yard gain, setting up a four-yard touchdown reception that tied the game at 28 with 11:04 remaining.

The touchdown carried historical significance for Clarke.

It was his 11th career touchdown reception, moving him past Randy Grossman for the most receiving touchdowns by a tight end in Temple history.

Clarke finished with five receptions for 127 yards, providing one of the few individual bright spots in an otherwise frustrating afternoon.

Charlotte answered almost immediately.

Harrell scored on a 10-yard quarterback run with 8:40 remaining, giving the 49ers a 35-28 lead.

Temple’s ensuing possession ended when Sheppard was sacked on fourth-and-seven with 5:27 remaining, giving Charlotte possession in Owls territory.

The 49ers drained much of the remaining clock before Aiden Bui connected on a 47-yard field goal with 1:46 left, extending their advantage to 38-28.

Temple added a late field goal to cut the deficit to seven, but Charlotte recovered the ensuing onside kick to seal its first victory of the season.

Keeler demands accountability

After the game, Keeler’s frustration extended beyond the final score.

The coach pointed to a lack of discipline, defensive breakdowns and an inability to correct mistakes that have persisted throughout the season.

Temple entered Saturday allowing 397.2 yards and 26.3 points per game. Charlotte surpassed both averages, accumulating approximately 450 yards and scoring five touchdowns.

Keeler said the 49ers’ use of maximum protection made it difficult for Temple to pressure Harrell, allowing Charlotte to challenge the Owls’ secondary with downfield throws.

The struggles were especially concerning because Temple had spent the week simplifying its defensive schemes after a 34-20 loss to UConn.

Keeler said the coaching staff reduced the number of defensive responsibilities, hoping players could react more confidently and eliminate assignment errors.

But the same problems resurfaced.

“We’re at the point where I’ve seen enough, and I have to make some changes,” Keeler said.

Although he did not specify what those changes would involve, Keeler acknowledged that contemplating midseason coaching changes was highly unusual during his 33-year head-coaching career.

He also took responsibility for the team’s performance, emphasizing that the shortcomings ultimately fell on him.

The loss continued a troubling stretch for Temple.

Two weeks ago, the Owls defeated previously undefeated South Florida, 17-13, on the road, seemingly positioning themselves for a stronger second half of the season.

Instead, they’ve lost consecutive home games to UConn and Charlotte, surrendering a combined 72 points.

Temple enters its bye week at 2-5, needing four victories in its final five games to become bowl eligible for the first time since 2019.

The Owls return to action Oct. 31 against East Carolina, with Keeler facing difficult decisions about the direction of his program.

For Charlotte, the afternoon represented the end of a lengthy losing streak.

For Temple, it raised questions that won’t be answered by a single week of adjustments.