⚡ CFB Dashboard

- QB: I saw today that the two Rhode Island defensive players filed their fifth-year eligibility case in Rhode Island state court yesterday.

- Keveun Mason rushed for 158 yards and two touchdowns, including a 38-yard run, as Temple generated 227 of its 369 total yards on the ground against Rhode Island. - Temple used both Ajani Sheppered and Jaxon Smolik in its opener, with Sheppered throwing for 85 yards and Smolik adding 57 yards and a touchdown, though the notes do not establish the quarterback plan against Penn State.

- Injury: PHILADELPHIA – Temple turned back spunky Rhode Island, 38-14, in its season opener Saturday behind a career day from running back Keveun Mason and a pair of pick-sixes from an opportunistic defense.

- 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.