Jaxon Smolik pulls ahead in Temple’s QB battle; K.C. Keeler proud of defense’s ‘dramatic’ improvement

Two games into the season, Temple’s identity is beginning to take shape.

The Owls’ defense kept No. 14 Penn State within reach, but Temple managed just nine points in an 18-point loss while continuing to split quarterback duties between Jaxon Smolik and Ajani Sheppard.

With several offensive players nearing returns and the defense’s emergence, here are three takeaways from Monday’s practice as the team prepares to play a nonconference road matchup against Toledo on Saturday (3 p.m., CBS Sports Network).

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K.C. Keeler has not formally declared a winner of Temple’s quarterback competition, but the division of responsibilities between Smolik and Sheppard is becoming clearer.

Smolik started against Penn State and completed 10 of 16 passes for 59 yards with an interception, while adding 71 rushing yards. Sheppard completed 3 of 6 passes for 48 yards and scored Temple’s only touchdown on a 3-yard run in the fourth quarter.

Keeler expects the arrangement to remain the same against Toledo, with Smolik directing most of the offense and Sheppard entering when his mobility fits a situation.

“I still think we feel we have two quarterbacks who can win in this league,” Keeler said. “It just depends on how we’re going to deploy them.”

Sheppard could receive more snaps this weekend, particularly when his running ability could force Toledo’s defense to crowd the line of scrimmage. Keeler also wants the Owls to counter that expectation by allowing Sheppard to attack favorable matchups through the air.

Smolik remained first in Temple’s quarterback order during Monday’s practice. Keeler defended his performance against Penn State, noting that the Nittany Lions’ tight coverage and pressure against a depleted offensive line limited passing game opportunities.

“It’s tough to play quarterback when your receivers aren’t open,” Keeler said. “I thought he did a good job managing the offense, pulling the ball down and making plays when he had to.”

Temple rushed for 176 yards against Penn State, but an inability to turn that production into points underscored how much the offense missed its injured starters.

Running back Sam Brown practiced in full pads Monday after missing the Owls’ first two games. Keeler said Brown could have played against Penn State if it were Temple’s final game of the season, but the running back did not clear the training staff’s return-to-play protocols.

Keveun Mason will continue receiving most of the work while Brown, who is expected to return vs. Toledo, is eased into the rotation. Mason rushed for 76 yards on 14 carries against Penn State.

“We’re hoping a healthy Sam Brown, along with what Keveun can do, gives you a great one-two punch with your run game,” Keeler said. “We definitely want to get him involved, but we’re going to be smart enough not to give him 30 carries.”

» READ MORE: Sam Brown almost walked away from football. Now he looks to lead Temple’s backfield.

Mason said he is prepared for any distribution of the carries and believes both running backs bring different elements to the offense.

The offensive line may also receive reinforcements. Keeler expects guard Eric King and tackle Kevin Terry to be available, although their workloads will depend on their progress this week.

Temple’s defense demonstrated its resilience in its Week 2 loss. After Smolik’s first quarter interception set up Penn State at Temple’s 5-yard line, the Owls made a goal line stop four plays later.

Temple also held Penn State scoreless in the first quarter and allowed just 10 first-half points before the Nittany Lions pulled away. In the season-opener, the Owls forced three turnovers and returned two interceptions for touchdowns against Rhode Island.

“They’ve improved so much from a year ago,” Keeler said. “It’s dramatic. Part of it is that I think we’re putting our kids in a little bit better position to be successful. The other thing is we’re more talented.”

Defensive tackle Kevin Hornbeak Jr. credited the unit’s progress to a deep rotation that has kept the defensive line fresh through two games.

“All of our group is one,” Hornbeak said. “Anybody can get thrown out there. I’ve got all the faith in our room.”