K.C. Keeler shoulders some of the blame after Temple’s third straight loss
The head coach also said tight end Peter Clarke will likely be out for the remainder of the season after he broke his left fibula in Saturday’s loss to East Carolina.
K.C. Keeler has spent much of his second season as Temple’s head coach searching for answers.
On Monday, he pointed to an issue with his approach to managing the program.
Following Temple’s 17-9 loss to East Carolina, Keeler acknowledged that the increasing administrative demands of college football diverted some of his attention away from overseeing his coaching staff and evaluating position meetings.
“I got caught up with all the things that are part of college football now,” Keeler said, referencing revenue sharing and allocating money across positions.
» READ MORE: Temple football falls just short in a dogfight against East Carolina
“I didn’t do a good enough job of [being involved], because I think some things were being shortcut, and it showed on the field.”
The Owls (2-6, 1-3 American) have lost three consecutive games and six of their first eight, despite entering the season with expectations of taking a step forward. They’ll visit 2-6 Navy on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
‘Last game at Temple’
Senior tight end Peter Clarke may have played his final game for Temple after breaking his left fibula during Saturday’s loss to East Carolina, Keeler said.
Clarke was carted off the field in the third quarter after making a reception. Although he has another year of eligibility, Keeler said returning to Temple might not be in Clarke’s best interest.
“Probably his last game at Temple,” Keeler said. “He has another year of eligibility. I don’t know if it’s best to come back.”
Keeler said the program would help Clarke evaluate his future through conversations with NFL scouts, general managers, and his agent.
Clarke set Temple’s career record for receiving touchdowns by a tight end earlier this season with 11. He’s developed into one of the program’s most respected leaders.
Keeler praised Clarke’s commitment to the team and said his absence would affect more than the offense, which managed just 249 total yards and three field goals against the Pirates.
“His superpower is definitely between his ears,” Keeler said.
Results on defense
Temple held East Carolina to 17 points Saturday after allowing a combined 72 against UConn and Charlotte in its previous two games.
Keeler credited cornerbacks coach Henry Baker for the improvements. Baker took over as interim defensive coordinator and play-caller after defensive line coach Cedric Calhoun was dismissed and defensive coordinator Brian L. Smith was reassigned.
Rather than allowing the defensive linemen to aggressively pursue plays upfield, Baker has emphasized maintaining square shoulders, controlling individual gaps, and allowing linebackers to make tackles.
» READ MORE: Temple’s defense has defined its season — and not for the better. These numbers explain why.
“We’re going to build walls, and we’re going to take away their gaps,” Keeler said of Baker’s approach.
Despite surrendering 222 rushing yards, Temple held ECU scoreless in the fourth quarter and generated several late defensive stops. The offense didn’t help, however, as quarterback Ajani Sheppard threw three interceptions in the second half.
Offensive line seeks consistency
One positive development for Temple was the return of offensive lineman Giakoby Hills, who started against East Carolina after missing five games with a fractured fibula.
Hills suffered the injury in the season-opening victory over Rhode Island and initially faced uncertainty about when he would return.
“It was like a weight off of me,” Hills said about getting back on the field.
Hills avoided surgery and committed himself to rehabilitation, progressing from crutches to running on a specialized treadmill before returning to football activities.
Keeler praised the medical staff’s approach and said the team deliberately gave Hills additional recovery time rather than rushing him back.
The offensive line has dealt with several injuries this season, including Eric King, John Watkins, and Kevin Terry.
Keeler said those setbacks have disrupted a group who he believed had the potential to become one of the American’s best offensive lines.
Now the coach’s main priorities are improving technique, strengthening accountability, and ensuring players maintain their effort regardless of the score.
“Hopefully, each progress translates into next time and a win,” Keeler said.
