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STAFF SEASON PREDICTIONS “Charlotte football will continue to make history this year and go to the team’s first bowl game. With leaders such as Hasaan Klugh, Karrington King, Trent Bostick and Tyriq Harris returning to the field, the 49ers have all of the tools they need for a 6-6 season and a bowl berth.”
“Hasaan Klugh and the receiving corps will have a huge year, and the young defense will step up to fill the shoes of last year’s senior class. It’ll go down to the wire, but the Niners should go 6-6 and qualify for their first ever bowl game.”
“I think the 49ers shoot .500 this season with a 6-6 record. Key victories over Marshall and A&T propel Charlotte to their first bowl berth in school history. Also look for returning QB Hasaan Klugh to make leaps and bounds from last year and possibly even double his numbers if he can stay healthy.”
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NINERTIMES
2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW 3
2017 Roster
4
Season Preview
6
Season Outlook
8
Senior Spotlights
11
Coaches Corner
12
Whatʼd You Miss?
13
49ers Early Struggles
15
Tailgating Tips
2017 FOOTBALL ROSTER ## NAME 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 10 11 11 12 12 13 13 14 14 15 16 16 17 17 18 18 19 20 21 21 22 22 23 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 39 40 41 42
Ed Rolle Mark Quattlebaum Chris Montgomery T.L. Ford II Workpeh Kofa Hasaan Klugh Markevis Davis Uriah LeMay Tyriq Harris Cameron Bent Mic Roof Quinton Jordan Brooks Barden Alex Duncan Zach Duncan Daniel Rose Michael Holmes Joe Thompson Marquavis Gibbs Darius Irvin Victor Tucker Anthony Butler Chris Reynolds Jackson VanSickle Cameron Dollar Cade Barnhill Robert Washington Juwan Foggie Brooks Cunningham JT Starr Angel Marrero Anthony Covington Kameron Duncan Nafees Lyon Denzel Irvin Jacione Fugate Ben Bowbliss Ben DeLuca Calvin Camp DeQuondre Wilson Jai Erwin Benny LeMay Sean Bernard Garrison Duncan Jeff Gemmell T.J. Sanders Rob Cheatem Keshaun Woods Aaron McAllister Kyle Corbett George Maya Arthur Hart AJ McDonald Henry Segura
POSITION
CLASS
DB WR WR WR WR QB LB WR LB WR QB DB QB DB DL WR LB QB DB LB WR LB QB K WR WR RB LB WR DB WR DB RB DB DB DB DB DB WR WR LB RB LB LB LB DB DB DB RB P/K LB P DB LB
Jr. R-Jr. Sr. Sr. R-Jr. R-Jr. Sr. R-Sr. R-So. Fr. Fr. Jr. R-Jr. R-Jr. R-Jr. R-So. R-So. R-Fr. So. R-So. Fr. So. Fr. R-So. Fr. Fr. So. R-Jr. R-So. R-Fr. Fr. R-Sr. Fr. R-So. R-Jr. R-Fr. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. R-Jr. R-Sr. R-So. Fr. R-Fr. R-Fr. R-Fr. R-Fr. Fr. Sr. R-So. Fr.
## NAME 43 44 44 45 45 46 47 48 50 51 51 52 53 54 54 55 56 58 60 61 62 63 64 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 77 78 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 87 88 89 90 90 92 93 94 95 95 96 98 99
Christian Haynes Nigel Macauley Cody Bartrum Christian Asher Javonte Misenheimer Alex Highsmith Jack Wellenhofer Jonathan Francois Karrington King Chris Brown Christian Young Cam Darley Jalen Allen Brian McDonough Sherard Sutton Jean Eason Will Graham Johnny Ray Darren Drake Ernest King Tyler Fain Jacob Webb Nate Davis Jaelin Fisher Luke Prevette DʼMitri Emmanuel Cameron Clark Jamar Winston David Foust Tim Baten Eugene German Wolfgang Zacherl Trevor Stacy Ben Jacques Trent Bostick Zach Gemmell Nate Mullen Ryan Eachus Ryan Carriere Antoine Shaw Chris Phillips Isaiah Harris R.J. Tyler Chris Tomberlin Tommy Doctor Zane Tally Nick Martin Stedman Lucas Jarvaris Jett Julian Wheaton Andrew Favaro Michael Adams Timmy Horne Jon Hardy
POSITION
CLASS
DB K LB LB LB LB LS LB LB OL LB LB OL LS LB OL LB DL OL DL DL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL DL OL OL OL H WR WR WR H H TE TE DL H WR DL H DL LB LB DL K DL DL DL
R-Fr. Jr. Fr. R-Jr. Fr. R-So. So. Fr. R-Sr. R-Jr. R-So. R-Jr. Jr. R-Jr. Fr. Jr. R-So. R-Fr. Jr. Fr. R-Jr. Fr. R-Jr. R-Fr. R-So. Fr. R-So. R-Jr. Jr. Fr. R-Sr. R-Sr. R-So. R-So. R-Sr. Fr. R-So. Jr. R-Fr. Fr. Jr. Fr. R-Jr. Jr. R-So. R-Jr. R-Fr. R-Jr. R-Fr. R-So. Fr. Fr. R-Fr. R-So.
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WHAT’S IN STORE FOR THE 49ERS
By Kathleen Cook
The 49ers are two games into the 2017 season and hold an 0-2 record. The squad fell on the road against Eastern Michigan in Week One and then again on the road against Kansas State in the second week of competition. The team has four away games remaining and six home contests left on their schedule. In total, the squad is facing six teams that were in a bowl game last
season: Eastern Michigan, Kansas State, WKU, Old Dominion, Middle Tennessee and Southern Miss. Though not at the FBS level, North Carolina A&T did advance to the FCS playoffs last season. While the 49ers have already seen two of these teams this season, take a look ahead at the remaining games on their schedule.
vs. N.C. A&T
vs. GEORGIA STATE
Charlotte kicks off their first home game of the season against North Carolina A&T. This will serve as the first time the two teams have seen each other, however the Bulldogs will look familiar to one 49er. Starting quarterback Hasaan Klugh transferred from A&T to Charlotte two years ago. During his time in Greensboro, QB saw action in seven games and he received one Rookie of the Week award from the Mid-Eastern Atlantic Conference. Though the Niners have yet to face N.C. A&T, they hold a 1-1 record against MEAC opponents. In the 2014 season, Charlotte took a 4028 victory over N.C. Central, but they fell to the Eagles 40-13 in the 2013 season. The Sept. 16 contest will be Business Appreciation day, as well as Family Day.
For their second home game of the season, the 49ers will welcome Georgia State. The last time the 49ers saw the Panthers, Charlotte was playing their inaugural game at the FBS level in 2015. The two teams met in the Georgia Dome and the Niners slipped by with a 23-20 victory to begin their time at the FBS level. Last season the Panthers finished with a 3-9 overall record and a 2-6 record in the Sun Belt Conference. Over the off-season, Georgia State brought in South Carolina’s co-offensive coordinator Shawn Elliott to serve as their head coach. There are multiple themes taking place as well. Faith and Family Day, as well as Founders Day and Coaches for the Cure are set to take on Sept. 23.
Sept. 16, 6:00 p.m.
Sept. 23, 6:00 p.m.
NT File Photo
NT File Photo
at FIU
vs. MARSHALL
Charlotte hits the road again to close out September and open conference play at FIU. The 49ers were close to victory last year against the Panthers, falling 27-26. Charlotte has an 0-2 record against FIU, also losing 48-31 in Miami during the 2015 season. In their 2016 match-up, Charlotte held a 26-13 lead halfway through the fourth quarter. The Niner defense allowed two touchdowns for the Panthers in the last five minutes of the game which gave FIU the one-point edge. Charlotte found success on the road last season, only dropping one road conference game last season. The Niners held a 3-1 record in conference road games. If Charlotte can pull of a win in Miami, it will be the first time they have won in their conference opener.
The Niners return home the first weekend of October to host the Thundering Herd. In the two matchups the 49ers have had Marshall, the road team has come away victorious each time. Last season, the Niners took home a monumental 27-24 victory. Marshall came to Charlotte in 2015 and they returned to Huntington with a 34-10 victory. It will also be Think Pink and Healthcare Appreciation Day. If Charlotte wins this match-up, it will be the first conference game won in Jerry Richardson Stadium. There are many personal ties between the two programs. Head Coach Brad Lambert spent five years coaching for the Herd, from 199095. Phil Ratliff and Jim Durning both played on the 1992 Marshall team that won the National Championship.
Sept. 30, 7:00 p.m.
Oct. 7, 6:00 p.m.
Photo Coursey of Wikimedia Commons User: Evill72
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NINERTIMES
NT File Photo
at WKU
vs. UAB
The Oct. 14 game will be the first time the 49ers will face the Hilltoppers in the program’s history. WKU is the defending C-USA champion, and went on to defeat Memphis in the Boca Raton Bowl 51-31. They only had one loss in conference during 2016 season, falling 55-52 to LA Tech. Middle Tennessee put up a fight against the Hilltoppers, taking them into double overtime though they eventually lost, 44-43 after missing a PAT. Last season, the 49ers only lost to the Blue Raiders by a touchdown, 38-31. The Hilltoppers also have a new coach this season. Mike Sanford, who previously was the offensive coordinator for Notre Dame, will step in as head coach for the 2017 season.
After a two-year football lull, the Blazers are returning to the field and will square off with Charlotte for the first time when UAB comes to town for the 49ers homecoming. Bill Clark returns to helm the Blazers after being named C-USA Coach of the Year in 2014. Charlotte is still seeking its first win on homecoming. Last year the 49ers just missed victory, falling 27-26 against FIU. In the 2015 season the 49ers were dealt a 44-10 loss against Southern Miss. A 48-40 loss to James Madison put a damper on the 2014 homecoming festivities. Finally, in the inaugural season Charlotte fell 45-22 to an undefeated UNC Pembroke team. In addition to Homecoming, Teacher Appreciation Day will also take place.
Oct. 14, 4:30 p.m.
Oct. 21, 6:30 p.m.
Photo courtesy of WKU Athletics
NT File Photo
at OLD DOMINION
vs. MIDDLE TENNESSEE
To begin the month of November the 49ers will hit the road to Norfolk, Virginia and face Old Dominion. Charlotte will be seeking their first win against the Monarchs, having an 0-2 record against them. In 2016 the 49ers lost 52-17, and then in the 2015 season ODU slipped by with a 3734 victory. In the 2016 contest against the Niners, ODU posted 481 yards of total offense that included four rushing touchdowns and two TD’s by air. Old Dominion finished the 2016 season with a 7-1 conference record and a 10-3 overall record. Their only conference loss came from eventual conference champ WKU. The Monarchs faced Eastern Michigan in the Popeye’s Bahamas Bowl and overcame EMU, 24-20.
Charlotte welcomes Middle Tennessee on Military Appreciation day. The 49ers are 0-2 against the Blue Raiders, falling 38-31 in 2016 and 73-14 in 2015. With an 8-5 overall record last season, Middle Tennessee made it to the Hawai’i Bowl where they lost 52-35 to Hawai’i. Last season Charlotte came back from an 18-point deficit to create a tied game with less than five minutes remaining in the game. A timely touchdown from the Blue Raiders allowed them to leave the Queen City victorious. Middle Tennessee has been bowl eligible in 8 of its 11 seasons under head coach Rick Stockstill, including for the last five straight seasons. Stockstill’s 11 seasons with the Blue Raiders is longest of any coach in the conference.
Nov. 11, 2:00 p.m.
Nov. 4, 3:30 p.m.
Photo courtesy of ODU Athletics
NT File Photo
at SOUTHERN MISS
vs. FLORIDA ATLANTIC
In their last road game of the regular season, the 49ers return to Hattiesburg, Miss. Where they were victorious last season, defeathering the Golden Eagles 38-27. Charlotte recorded a season-high 303 rushing yards in Hattiesburg last year. In the 2015 season, Southern Miss beat the 49ers 44-10 when they came to Charlotte. The Golden Eagles finished last season with a 7-6 record, leading them to the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. USM defeated UL-Layfayette 28-21. The 49ers became the first team in the conference to defeat both Marshall and Southern Miss on the road in the same season.
After the turkey coma wears off, Charlotte caps off their 2017 regular season by hosting Florida Atlantic. This marks the first time the team has ended the season at home since joining the FBS. In the 2016 season, Charlotte snagged their first ever C-USA win against the Owls with a score 28-23. FAU attempted to snatch the win with a hail mary on the last play. After being reviewed, the call was overturned and the Niners had their first conference win. Hasaan Klugh went 14-of-17 with three touchdowns and 223 yards in the contest. Lane Kiffin is the new head coach at Florida Atlantic. Kiffin has spent his past three seasons as the offensive coordinator at Alabama. He has also been the head coach for the Oakland Raiders.
Nov. 25, 2:00 p.m.
Nov. 18, TBA
NT File Photo
Photo courtesy of Southern Miss Athletics
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SEPT. 12, 2017
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PICKED TO FINISH LAST? NO SO FAST Story by Kathleen Cook Photo from NT File
Though ranked last in preseason polls, there is reason to believe the 49ers can be better
For the third consecutive season, the Preseason Conference USA Media Poll was released and pitted Charlotte last place in the East Division. While the Niners are far from being the best team in the conference, they have shown consistent improvement that makes the placement seem unwarranted. The preseason ranking for the East Division are as follows: WKU, Middle Tennessee, Old Dominion, Marshall, Florida Atlantic, FIU and Charlotte. While the 49ers held a 3-5 conference record for the 2016 season, it was a vast improvement from failing to secure a win in C-USA play in the 2015 season. Charlotte might not take over the first-place spot, but don’t expect to see them in the bottom of the standings. The 2016 season featured only three conference wins, but the Niners showed more growth than their record reflected. Two of their three
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conference wins last year came from teams that are selected to finish above Charlotte: Florida Atlantic and Marshall. In the 2015 season Charlotte fell 17-7 to the Eagles, one year later and the 49ers claimed their first conference win in program history against FAU, 28-23. During the inaugural C-USA season, the 49ers fell to Marshall 34-10. This past season while on the road to Huntington, the squad defeated the Thundering Herd 27-24. For three of the conference losses, Charlotte was within one possession of their opponent. Two teams that this occurred against are selected to finish above the Niners this season. Though Charlotte lost the games, growth and development could be seen.
NINERTIMES
On Oct. 15, Charlotte fell 27-26 to FIU. In 2015, the 49ers lost 48-31 to the Panthers. Last season against Middle Tennessee, the 49ers lost by a touchdown, 38-31. Though Charlotte was dealt the loss, it was an improvement from the 2015 season where the Niners were dismantled 73-14. Charlotte hasn’t opened the 2017 campaign on a good note. The team fell 24-7 against Eastern Michigan in the first week, then lost to Kansas State the following week. While the 0-2 start isn’t what the team or fans were hoping for, there are many winnable games on the Charlotte schedule. Being picked to finish last isn’t new for the 49ers. Since joining the conference in 2015, the 49ers have
been selected to finish last by the media in all preseason polls. “They have to pick somebody for everywhere so we’re taking it as motivation. We know what our goals are, we have lofty goals, our guys want to attain things. People pick you where they do. It all ends up being out there on the field and what the results are at the end,” Lambert said. Starting quarterback Hasaan Klugh isn’t worried by the preseason poll either. “We know who we are, we know ourselves, and we know where we’re going to be,” Klugh said. “We see it and we take it as a confidence booster.”
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SEPT. 12, 2017
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THE EXTRA POINT Learn more about the senior class of the 49er football program
By Kathleen Cook Photos by Chris Crews This year 12 players are gearing up for as a 49er for the last season. The senior class includes four wide receivers, four linebackers, two offensive linemen, one defensive back and one punter. The senior class has four true seniors and eight redshirt seniors. The group has had an impact on the 49er football program. Karrington King now holds the record for career tackles, surpassing the mark set by Larry Ogunjobi. Trent Bostick is second in career receiving yards. Punter Arthur Hart surpassed his own record with a 74-yard punt at Eastern Michigan earlier this season. At Eastern Michigan, Chris Montgomery posted his sixth career kick return of 30 or more yards. DB Anthony Covington has had the longest interception return in Jerry Richardson Stadium with 48 yards against Rice last season. T.L. Ford II’s 37 career receptions rank second in the 49er program. Markevis Davis has been a utility player for the Niners, moving from defensive back to running back while also be a linebacker, he recorded seven tackles when the 49ers took on SEC foe Kentucky in 2015. Garrison Duncan brought down three solo tackles against a nationally-ranked Louisville team. After returning an onside kick 48 yards for a touchdown, Uriah LeMay is in the record books for the fourth longest kick return for a touchdown. Stedman Lucas joined the program after transferring from Western Carolina prior to the 2015 season. Wolfgang Zacherl is the 2016 Jon Richardson Scholarship recipient. Zacherl as well as redshirt senior Eugene German anchor the offensive line that allow the Charlotte offense to shine.
Trent Bostick Enjoys relaxing and spending time with friends and family Biggest role models are his parents
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Stedman Lucas Basketball was his first love Describes his styles as ‘All designer get your grind up”
Uriah LeMay Enjoys singing Likes to shop at H&M
Chris Montgomery Loves to sing Favorite show is “American Horror Story”
Wolfgang Zacherl Makes a mean quesadilla Go-to song is “Living on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi
Anthony Covington Wants to go to Dubai Go-to song is anything by T.I.
Eugene German
Markevis Davis Favorite shows include “Sportscenter” and “Last Chance U” Dream vacation is Dubai
Garrison Duncan Is ambidextrous Go-to song is “Our Song” by Taylor Swift
Arthur Hart
Can sing and dance
Wants to visit Switzerland
Favorite show to binge watch is “Narcos”
Favorite movie is “Forrest Gump”
T.L. Ford II
Karrington King
Very good at “Call of Duty”
Known as “Chef Boyarking” for his culinary abilities
Go-to song is “ABC” by the Jackson 5
Biggest role model is his mom
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COACHES CORNER
Learn more about the new faces on the sidelines this season By Kathleen Cook Photos by Chris Crews and Daniel Head Charlotte welcomed three new members to their coaching staff over the off-season. After the 2016 season, coaches Dean Hood, Aaron Curry and Joe Tereshinksi resigned from the program. To fill the void, the 49ers brought on Greg Adkins, Keith Henry and Charlie Skalaski. Adkins is joining the squad as the offensive line coach. Henry will be overseeing the running backs, while Skalaski will take on the Special Teams Coordinator.
Charlie Skalaski What drew you to Charlotte?
“I think the world of Coach Lambert, I know the type of man he is, I know his philosophy on whole-person development. He wants our student-athletes to grow athletically, academically, socially, and I feel the exact same way, that’s my philosophy.”
What made you want to coach? “When I got done playing, I coached for a few years, got out of coaching and was an executive in New York City and 9/11 changed my life. I said, you know what, I’m going to start doing something with my life where I feel like I’m making a difference. That’s why I got into coaching, to pay it forward.”
Greg Adkins What drew you to Charlotte?
What made you want to coach?
“I’ve known Coach Lambert really “I knew athletics were going since we both got into coaching toto be a part of my life in some gether in 1990. We worked together way. I had played athletics all at Marshall then we worked my life. I had some people who together at Georgia, then the taught me the game, whether opportunity 15 years later it was football or baseball, that comes about, where were pretty influential in my life. he has an open- Certainly when the opportunity ing on his staff. came about, it was a no-brainer He called and for me to go this route and see that’s how we this through.” got together.”
Keith Henry
What’s your favorite part of coaching? “I just enjoy working with student-athletes and being a mentor. Really, behind closed doors, people don’t really know these kids, what type of environment, where they’ve been. Just working with guys and making them a better person, a better husband and father one day.”
What drew you to Charlotte?
“Coach Lambert and I, we worked together at Wake Forest for ten years. He’s been a great mentor to me, a great friend to me. When he asked me if I would come to Charlotte, there was no doubt, I didn’t hesitate, I said ‘I would be honored to become part of your staff.’”
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WHATʼD YOU MISS? Charlotte enters Week Three with an 0-2 record, falling to both Eastern Michigan and Kansas State
Week 1: Eastern Michigan-24, Charlotte-7
By Jacob Pritchett
The Charlotte 49ers dropped their season-opening contest to the Eastern Michigan Eagles, 24-7 at Rynearson Stadium in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Charlotte began the game on a positive note, stopping the Eagles on their first offensive possession with a fumble recovered by Juwan Foggie. Then, redshirt junior quarterback Hasaan Klugh threw a pick six and the Eagles jumped out to a 7-0 lead. On the next drive, Klugh responded with a 21-yard strike to redshirt senior wide receiver Trent Bostick to tie it at 7-7. That would serve as the lone score for the Niners. In his first game back from a redshirting last season, Bostick led the way for Charlotte wide receivers with three receptions for 34 yards. Charlotte’s defense forced another turnover later in the first half with an interception from Ed Rolle. The group is looking to remain the leading defense in takeaways in Conference USA. They led last season with 16. Rolle is also carrying over success from the 2016 slate: he led the team in interceptions with three. Charlotte found some success on the ground, out-rushing the Eagles, 166 yards to 126 yards. Alongside Klugh’s 101 yards rushing, sophomore running back Robert Washington rushed for 49 yards. After the first quarter touchdown, every time the 49er offense seemed to make a good play, it would be refuted by a penalty. Charlotte ended the night with 11 penalties for 112 yards. Eastern Michigan capitalized on the good field position due to Charlotte’s
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penalties. The Eagles racked up 10 penalties during the game for 70 yards. Through the lack of scoring, Klugh racked up 107 yards rushing, proving just how much of a dual-threat he really is. Klugh also threw for 114 yards and one touchdown. One thing the Eagles have over the 49ers is experience at the helm of the offense. EMU is led by their 5th-year senior quarterback Brogan Roback. Roback threw for 267 yards, completing 22 of his 31 passes. Following Charlotte’s four play, 73 yard drive to tie it at 7, Eastern Michigan drove right down the field on a methodical 11 play, 80 yard drive capped off by a two-yard touchdown run from Eagle running back Ian Eriksen. The Eagles wouldn’t look back from there and added a field goal and another rushing touchdown to create a final score of 24-7.
Photo from NT File
NINERTIMES
Week 2: Kansas State-55, Charlotte-7
By Zach Timmons
Coach Brad Lambert, who played at KSU in the 1980s, watched his team keep it close in the first quarter, but ultimately fall 55-7 on the road. Quarterback Hassan Klugh led the Niners, as he went 8-19 for 33 yards through the air and gained 33 more on the ground, including a 19-yard rush in the first frame that ended up being Charlotte’s only points. Klugh threw an interception and had a lateral pass turn into a fumble, which KSU returned all the way to the house. Uriah LeMay caught two passes for 25 yards to lead the receiving corps. The Wildcats’ offensive play makers did a number on Charlotte, as quarterback Jesse Ertz passed for 178 yards and gained 76 more on the ground. The backfield also did their part, as Alex Barnes rushed for 99 yards and a score and Dalvin Warmack rushed for 43 yards and another score.
KSU got going with a five-yard run on their first possession. Ertz scored on a 35-yard run on their second drive after Charlotte went threeand-out and Klugh’s interception resulted in a pick-six by ballhawk Kendall Adams. Just like that, the Niners had spotted KSU 21 points to open the contest. Soonafter, Khlugh scored on his touchdown run, but 21-7 was as close Charlotte would get. The Wildcats scored 17 unanswered points to end the half, including two rushes and one field goal by kicker Matthew McCrane. Warmack added a score to start the third quarter, McCrane added another field goal and Mike McCoy scored on a 15-yard run in the final frame to create the 55-7 final. On defense, Charlotte gave up some big plays, but there were a few bright spots. Karrington King, who broke the Niners’ career record for tackles previously held by Larry Ogunjobi, had eight tackles on the day, as did Markevis Davis and Ben DeLuca. The Niners also out-tackled the Wildcats, as they held a 65-42 advantage in take downs at game’s end. However, they did struggle to tackle in the open field, which led to a tremendous advantage in yards-after-contact for Kansas State. “I thought we did a better job with penalties today, but we’ve got to find a way to run the ball. ... We’ve got to keep working, become close, become one unit. We get to go home and play in our own stadium now, and it’s on to the next one,” Lambert said. “We’ve got to forget it and drive on.”
49ERS STRUGGLING EARLY IN SEASON Struggling to find rhythms on both sides leads to Charlotte’s losses
By Drew Pescaro With the first two weeks of college football complete, the Charlotte 49ers hold an 0-2 record and the team has struggled to find a rhythm on offense and defense. The first week of the season saw the 49ers travel to Eastern Michigan to take on the Eagles. Quarterback Hassan Klugh flashed his dual-threat potential with 114 passing yards and 101 rushing yards, but the team was only able to find the end zone once on the night in a 24-7 loss. Klugh through a pass directly to Eastern Michigan cornerback Brody Hoying leading to an interception returned for a touchdown. Charlotte had a total of three interceptions in the game, including wide receiver Chris Montgomery throwing one on a trick play attempt. Aside from Klugh, the team had no other player surpass 50 rushing yards in the game. No receivers were able to reach 50 yards either, as Trent Bostick led the group with 34 yards and one touchdown reception. Charlotte went 5-16 on third down conversions in the game which was one of the main reasons the team was unable to drive the ball down field. They were also unsuccessful on their only fourth down conversion attempt. 49ers defense saw success in this game. They only allowed 17 points for the Eagles offense and were able to force an interception and fumble. Cornerback Ed Rolle was able to pick off the experienced Eagles quarterback, Brogan Roback. Linebacker Juwan Foggie was able to force and recover a fumble from the Eagles Wide Receiver, Antoine Porter, on the first drive of the game. The Charlotte defense kept the game from getting out of hand and made plays to get extra possessions for the 49ers. The offense was unable to produce scoring drives which led to the 24-7 final score. Eastern Michigan’s offense had 393 yards of offense in 33:03 minutes of possession in the game
while Charlotte had 280 yards in 26:57. On Sept. 9, the 49ers traveled to #19 overall Kansas State looking to improve their play from the previous week. The Wildcats routed the 49ers on their home field in a 55-7 blowout. The efficiency of the 49ers was again a problem, this time on both offense and defense. Quarterbacks Klugh and Brooks Barden combined for 58 total passing yards in the game against K-State, and they each had an interception. Klugh threw his second pick-six of the season and will need look to stop this streak if the team is going to compete within Conference USA this season. The team again struggled in the run game as they rushed for 110 total yards between five players, Klugh leading the way with 33. Kansas State was able to contain Klugh in the pocket better than Eastern Michigan, as he averaged 3.3 yards over his 10 total carries. Charlotte was only able to reach the end zone once for the second straight week as Klugh hurdled over a Kansas State defender for his first rushing touchdown in 2017. This play came after a 66-yard kick return by running back Aaron McAllister. The offense struggled on third downs again as they were 4-15 in the game. Drives were not sustained in this game leading to only 168 total yards of offense in 23:54 minutes of possession. Kansas State caused problems for the 49ers defense as they exploded for 55 points, 38 in the first half. The Wildcats had very few problems moving the football during the game. K-State rarely had third down situations and was 4-9 on third downs for the entire game. Charlotte allowed five offensive touchdowns, all five were made from different players. Wildcats running back Alex Barnes carved the 49ers defense for 99 yards on 16 carries with a touchdown. Although the 49ers allowed only 189 passing yards to Wildcats quarterback Jesse Ertz, they
gave up 303 total rushing yards and 493 total yards of offense in 36:06 time of possession for K-State. The 49ers defense was unable to force any turnovers in this game which allowed for the Wildcats to keep their offensive drives alive for the majority of the game and run up the score. Through two games this season, Charlotte’s offense has a total of 448 yards and two touchdowns. Third down conversions need to be a point of emphasis for head coach Brad Lambert as the team is currently 9-31. The 49ers offense also has six total turnovers, two of which were returned for touchdowns. They will need to get this number under control in order to keep opposing teams from getting extra possessions and points. Charlotte defense has allowed 79 total points, all of which came from rushing touchdowns and field goals. 886 total yards of offense have been given up to their two opponents on the road which has contributed to the high point differential. Next week, the 49ers return to Jerry Richardson Stadium to play their first home game of the season and will look to get back on track against NC A&T. This will be the first ever game played between these two in-state opponents. Klugh is in his first year as the full time starting quarterback for the 49ers and has the potential to make plays through his passing and rushing game and will look to do so next week. The defense will look to emulate their performance from the match-up against Eastern Michigan to allow for the team to be competitive for the rest of the season. Lambert and his coaching will need to address the team’s early struggles in practice this week and prepare to earn their first victory of the season when they host the Aggies.
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NOTABLE NINERS
See what players have made an impact on the field so far Trent Bostick
Leads receiving corps with 35 yards in the last two games
Hasaan Klugh Rushed for career-best 101 yards in season opener
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Karrington King
Now leads 49ers in career tackles with 223 take downs
Arthur Hart Set new record for longest punt with a 74-yarder vs. Eastern Michigan
TAILGATE SEASON By Kathleen Cook
With home football games starting up, here’s everything you need to know about tailgating
Follow the thumping base and the smell of grilled food on game days in the Queen City and you will find the place where fans and fun come together: the tailgate. As the football program improves, so does the tailgating experience on campus. Each year more students are found in the sand lot and other tailgating areas, enjoying a selection of food and drinks before going to watch the 49ers play. With the growing crowds at tailgates it is necessary that students familiarize themselves with the University’s tailgate policy and procedure. The University has the list of all rules regarding tailgating outlined in University Policy 706, Alcoholic Beverages. Per the policy, no kegs are allowed in tailgates. Drinking games such as beer pong or accessories such as funnels are not allowed on the
grounds either. There is also a strict policy about underage drinking. If there are any infractions of the policy, the violator could end up with termination of tailgating privileges, criminal prosecution and discipline from the Office of Student Conduct. In order to tailgate with a vehicle in the Silver lot 25, they must request a permit on the PATS website on the Tuesday prior to game day. The permits are free to students and are distributed on a firstcome-first-serve basis. Students with a student parking permit can park in the North Deck, East Deck 2, East Deck 3 or the South Deck Village if they don’t receive a permit for the Silver lot 25. Students are also allowed to ‘picnic tailgate’ or tailgate without a car in the grassy area along 49er Way without a permit. In order to successfully manage the traffic
on game days, PATS will shut down certain roads around campus. There will only be two entrances onto campus, the Main Entrance and east entrance off John Kirk Road. All other entrances to campus will be shut down five hours before kickoff. In addition to the entrances that are closed, Phillips Road and Craver Road will also be closed five hours prior to the start time. Inside the stadium some changes were made. There will now be a beer garden named “Norm’s Tavern.” The garden will be located near the north end zone and will be the only location in the stadium in which alcoholic beverages are permitted. The 49ers will also be bringing in the same DJ used by the Carolina Panthers this season to provide music throughout the game. There is also a TapSnap Photobooth located on the concourse that fans can use to capture a moment at the stadium.
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