⚡ CFB Dashboard

- Temple coach K.C. Keeler said he had to get conservative offensively against Penn State with a true freshman at left tackle, a converted guard at right tackle, and the starting guard unavailable. The report does not identify the absent guard's diagnosis or return timetable, so the limitation is confirmed for this game rather than automatically carried forward. - Keeler said Temple should have used substitutions to take more time off the clock before Penn State's touchdown at the end of the first half. He viewed avoidable execution errors, despite several defensive stops, as a reason the Owls could not keep the game tighter. The late touchdown that made the final 27-9 did not change his negative assessment of the team's execution.

- Coaching: Also, Ryan said Jaxon Smolik got most of the first-team reps at quarterback today.

- Temple entered its opener against Rhode Island with an unsettled quarterback competition between Penn State transfer Jaxon Smolik and Washington State transfer Ajani Sheppard, and K.C. Keeler declined to publicly name a starter. - Smolik appeared to be leading first-team work in the open Monday practice, taking every snap behind an offensive line returning four starters with Kevin Terry replacing injured right tackle Luke Watson. - Temple's run-game outlook leaned on Hunter Smith, Keveun Mason, and Rutgers transfer Sam Brown, who looked fast, physical, and dynamic in April and August after two prior season-ending injuries. - Temple's pass-catching group gives the new quarterback options with tight end Peter Clarke returning after a 30-catch, 483-yard, six-touchdown season, plus JoJo Bermudez, Colin Chase, and Stony Brook transfer Jayce Freeman at receiver. - Temple's defensive line in Brian L. Smith's base 3-4 was described as potentially nine deep, with Lafayette edge transfer Jaylon Joseph and Tiffin defensive tackle transfer Kevin Hornbeak standing out in August and the final preseason scrimmage.