Looking Ahead: Charlotte vs. North Texas

Charlotte look for their first win going into the" Lone Star State"

Charlotte is on the road again this week as the 49ers take on the Mean Green of North Texas on a Saturday 8 p.m. game on ESPNU. 

Last season, we saw the great comeback to spark the 49ers five-win streak against conference opponents as Charlotte edged a 4th quarter came back at Jerry Richardson against North Texas. It was the Reynolds to Victor Tucker 34- yard Hail Mary to win it for Charlotte in the last 18 seconds of the game. 

While last year’s game was a turning point for the Niners, this could mount up to be the same. After starting 0-2, Charlotte has given up on strong 1st half starts and comes out of the locker room looking a weaker team in both games. Charlotte’s offense has struggled the most to produce in the 3rd quarter letting FAU score 21 unanswered points last week in Boca Raton but mounting a last-minute drive to fall short in the end.

The players who shined the most for Charlotte last week were wide receivers Victor Tucker and Cameron Dollar. Tucker gave an outstanding 118-yard game with a long 48-yard reception to put the 49ers in the Red Zone in the last few seconds. Dollar came up clutch with his long TD reception to put the 49ers up 10-0 in the first half. I would predict both players to have stand-out games again this week against the North Texas defense. 

North Texas has started its season 1-2 (0-1 CUSA) showing offensive strength with a strong  Sophomore quarter-back, Austin Anue. Anue has thrown 47 completions for 726 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 1 interception. An offensive player to look out for is WR Jaelon Darden with 23 receptions, 241 yards, and 6 touchdowns. 

North Texas has scored 41.0 average points so far this season but defensively has given up 45.7 per game. If the Charlotte defense can leave the offense the same scoring opportunities like against FAU, I can see Charlotte coming out on top in Texas. 

Ben DeLuca’s defensive play has been vital for the 49ers so far this season as the missing piece that was Alex Highsmith is missing. DeLuca’s 21 tackles on the season have resulted in turnover against App State and great pressure against the offense. Watch out as DeLuca’s leadership role for the team will start to mold what we see as a future solid defense. 

ESPN has Charlotte’s chance to win as 60.7% this week with the -3 spread. This should be a close game resulting in a potential shoot-out.

If we are going by paper, Charlotte could find their first win of the season in Texas. By how the team has been playing, they are hungry for a win and this is the team to put a fight against and take the first W. I see Charlotte narrowing a high scoring win against Texas, 38-35.