Ajani Sheppard to start against Army as Temple navigates shortened week after two straight losses

Ajani Sheppard is taking all of Temple’s first-team quarterback reps ahead of Friday’s game against Army, and coach K.C. Keeler isn’t planning on rotating quarterbacks.

The decision comes as the Owls face a short week to prepare for Army’s offense and correct the missed assignments that contributed to their late collapse at Toledo.

Sheppard replaced Jaxon Smolik after Temple’s opening possession in Saturday’s 49-48 overtime loss to Toledo and led three consecutive touchdown drives. Smolik, who left the game with a foot injury, moved around at Monday’s practice, but Keeler said he hopes the quarterback can do more Tuesday.

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“Our mindset right now is to get Ajani ready to go,” Keeler said. “He’s getting all the first-team reps. Let’s get Jaxon back as soon as possible, and then we’ll figure it out.”

Sheppard powered Temple’s offense against Toledo, throwing 164 yards and three touchdowns — and added another score on the ground. But his two-point conversion pass in overtime sailed out of bounds, beyond Peter Clarke’s reach, and sealed the Owls’ loss.

Keeler said Sheppard needed to give the 6-foot-6 tight end a chance to make the catch. He also noted both quarterbacks will improve with game experience.

Colin Chase praised Sheppard’s performance. “He had that fire,” the receiver said Monday. “He went hard for the team every single play.”

Sheppard will have a healthier backfield around him Friday. Sam Brown scored three touchdowns — two rushing and one receiving — in his season debut at Toledo after missing Temple’s first two games. Keeler said Brown grew more patient and explosive as the game went on, and Sheppard’s running ability gives defenses another threat to account for.

“The run game is going to be important for us the rest of the season,” Keeler said. “It gives our defense a chance to get off the field, catch its breath, and regroup.”

Temple has little time to process its second loss of the season. Keeler said the Owls began preparing for Army’s triple option in the spring because they knew the game would come on a short week after a road trip. Army is coming off a bye week.

“We couldn’t be installing how they run their motion or block a scheme then,” Keeler said of Sunday’s walkthrough. “That stuff had to be in before Sunday’s walkthrough.”

» READ MORE: Temple’s ‘FPC’ mantra has fueled the defense’s big leap in Year 2 under DC Brian L. Smith

Chase said Temple’s offense may have fewer chances with the ball against Army than it had at Toledo, so sustaining drives will be important.

“We just got to make the most of every opportunity when we have the ball,” Chase said.

Temple’s defense faces a different test after allowing Toledo to erase a 14-point deficit late in regulation. Linebacker Eric Stuart said the problems went beyond the final minutes.

“You’ve got 10 guys doing something one way, and then you’ve got somebody doing something a different way — it’s not going to work,” Stuart said. “Everybody’s got to be on the same page.

“Army is a very physical team. We’re very physical up front, so I think we match up there. But mentally, knowing our assignments is probably our biggest thing this week.”

Keeler said Monday’s practice offered an encouraging response.

“[Stuart] and [Curly Ordonez] were coaching the backup linebackers, helping them with their alignments and how to handle the motion,” he said. “They were getting mental reps themselves, reinforcing it for the other players, and bringing energy to practice.

“It was encouraging to see the kids bounce back and understand that every snap and every detail matters.”