Temple football falls just short in a dogfight against East Carolina

GREENVILLE, N.C. — Temple spent its bye week overhauling its defensive coaching staff, hoping the changes would provide a spark after consecutive losses.

On Saturday, the defense responded.

The offense did not.

Temple fell to East Carolina, 17-9, at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, managing just 249 total yards and three field goals. The Owls (2-6, 1-3 American) have now lost three straight and must win their final four regular-season games to become bowl eligible.

The defense looked improvedunder interim defensive coordinator Henry Baker, who took over playcalling responsibilities after coach K.C. Keeler reassigned Brian L. Smith.

But Temple’s offensive struggles prevented it from capitalizing on several second-half stops.

“Losing is not the standard,” Keeler said. “But I’ll go fight with those guys any day of the week.”

Temple entered Saturday averaging more than 200 rushing yards per game but managed just 121 against East Carolina (4-4, 2-2).

Quarterback Ajani Sheppard completed 11 of 20 passes for 118 yards and three interceptions while adding 69 rushing yards. Running back Keveun Mason finished with 51 yards on eight carries, all coming after halftime.

The Owls struggled to establish their running game against East Carolina’s defensive front, which consistently disrupted plays in the backfield. Temple also converted just one of its seven third-down attempts.

Those struggles extended into scoring territory. Temple reached the East Carolina side of the field on multiple occasions but repeatedly settled for field-goal attempts rather than touchdowns.

Kicker Carl Hardin had all nine of Temple’s points, converting three of four field-goal attempts.

The Pirates built a 10-3 halftime lead before extending their advantage to 17-3 early in the third quarter. Running back TJ Engleman Jr. finished with 107 rushing yards and a touchdown as ECU accumulated 223 yards on the ground.

Despite trailing by two possessions, Temple remained within striking distance as Hardin added two second-half field goals.

However, turnovers eliminated opportunities to close the deficit. After the defense stopped an ECU fake punt late in the third quarter, Sheppard threw an interception on the ensuing play.

Temple received another chance when defensive back Saboor Karriem intercepted quarterback Mitch Griffis late in the fourth quarter. The Owls gave possession back when Sheppard’s pass deflected off tight end Ryder Kusch’s hands and into the arms of East Carolina defender Ashton Levells-Mitchell.

“For us offensively, we gotta finish in the red zone,” Sheppard said. “That starts with me.”

Temple held East Carolina to 17 points after surrendering a combined 72 against UConn and Charlotte in its previous two games.

The Pirates finished with 353 total yards, but Temple’s defense generated several critical second-half stops that kept the Owls within reach.

“The improvement was dramatic,” Keeler said.

Linebacker Curly Ordonez said the Owls emphasized communication and assignment discipline during the bye week. Although ECU’s tempo initially presented challenges, Temple adjusted as the game progressed.

Keeler credited Baker with improving the defense despite having only two weeks to prepare, noting that the unit showed fewer blown assignments and better overall execution.

The Owls also lost senior tight end Peter Clarke to an apparent left leg injury in the third quarter. Clarke was carted off following a reception, and Keeler expressed concern that his season could be over.

“He’s one of the best leaders I’ve ever been around,” Keeler said.

Keeler also confirmed that defensive lineman Kevin Hornbeak Jr. is serving a two-game suspension. Hornbeak missed Saturday’s game and is expected to remain unavailable next week.

Temple travels to Navy next Saturday (3:30 p.m., CBS Sports Network). The Owls are in search of their first victory since Oct. 3.