After ‘embarrassing’ loss to Charlotte, coach K.C. Keeler vows that changes will be made

Temple coach K.C. Keeler didn’t mince words after one of the most stunning losses of his coaching career.

“That was the single most embarrassing game I’ve ever coached,” Keeler said Saturday after his Owls lost, 38-31, to previously winless Charlotte at Lincoln Financial Field.

It was the 49ers’ first victory over an FBS opponent since November 2024 and snapped a 15-game losing streak.

Temple (2-5, 1-2 American) entered as a heavy favorite against Charlotte (1-6, 1-2), which had been outscored, 109-18, in its previous two games. Instead, the Owls surrendered five touchdowns to an offense that entered Saturday averaging just 16 points per game.

Keeler said the performance would have consequences.

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

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Keeler declined to elaborate on whether those changes will involve his coaching staff.

“I’m just going to leave it at that,” he said. “But there will be an announcement later.”

Keeler acknowledged that considering staff changes in the middle of a season would be highly unusual for him.

He also accepted responsibility for the performance, citing a lack of discipline, defensive breakdowns, and an inability to correct recurring mistakes.

Charlotte entered Saturday averaging 287.8 yards per game, ranking among the least productive offenses nationally.

Against Temple, the 49ers moved the ball freely.

Charlotte marched 67 yards on seven plays for a touchdown on its opening possession. After the Owls took a 14-7 lead into halftime, the 49ers scored touchdowns on their first two possessions of the third quarter to take a 21-14 lead.

The Owls repeatedly answered offensively, but their defense couldn’t produce enough stops.

Charlotte quarterback Conner Harrell scored on a 10-yard touchdown run with 8 minutes, 40 seconds remaining, putting the 49ers ahead, 35-28, following the extra point.

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Keeler said Charlotte’s use of maximum protection made it difficult for Temple to pressure Harrell, allowing the 49ers to attack the Owls’ defensive backs downfield.

The defensive performance was particularly frustrating after Keeler instructed his coordinators to simplify their schemes following last week’s 34-20 loss to UConn.

Despite those adjustments, Temple continued to struggle with assignments and defensive responsibilities.

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

Temple’s offense struggled early with Jaxon Smolik starting at quarterback in his return from a foot injury.

Smolik couldn’t generate consistent production, and Keeler turned to Ajani Sheppard late in the second quarter.

Sheppard energized the offense, leading an 84-yard touchdown drive that ended with his 7-yard rushing score to give Temple a 14-7 lead.

The Owls had a chance to extend that advantage after Avery Powell forced a fumble and Eric Stuart recovered at Charlotte’s 2-yard line. But Temple failed to score on four consecutive plays, and Sheppard’s fourth-down pass to Hunter Smith fell incomplete.

Keeler called the missed opportunity a significant momentum swing, pointing to in-game injuries to offensive linemen John Watkins and Kevin Terry.

Sheppard kept Temple competitive after halftime, scoring on a 44-yard run in the third quarter before finding tight end Peter Clarke for a fourth-quarter touchdown that tied the game at 28.

Clarke’s reception was his 11th career touchdown catch, making him Temple’s all-time leader among tight ends and breaking his tie with Randy Grossman.

Charlotte regained the lead on Harrell’s touchdown run, and Temple’s next meaningful possession ended when Sheppard was sacked on fourth down with 5:27 remaining.

A 47-yard field goal by Aiden Bui extended Charlotte’s advantage to 38-28 with 1:46 left.

Temple added a late field goal but couldn’t recover the ensuing onside kick.

For Keeler, the performance represented something deeper than another loss.

After defeating previously undefeated South Florida two weeks ago, Temple has dropped consecutive home games and now enters its bye week needing four wins in its final five contests to reach bowl eligibility.

Keeler said the Owls would use the break to address the program’s problems, with changes expected before their Oct. 31 matchup at East Carolina.