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2018 Charlotte 49ers football team
American college football season From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The 2018 Charlotte 49ers football team represented the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in the 2018 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The 49ers played their home games at Jerry Richardson Stadium in Charlotte, NC, and competed in the East Division of Conference USA (C–USA). They were led by sixth-year head coach Brad Lambert. They finished the season 5–7, 4–4 in C-USA play to finish in fourth place in the East Division.
On November 18, head coach Brad Lambert was fired.[1] He was allowed to stay on to coach their final game of the season. Lambert, who was the first and only coach Charlotte had in their history to that point, finished with a six-year record of 22–48.[2]
On December 5, Charlotte hired Austin Peay head coach Will Healy for the job.[3]
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Coaching staff
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Following the disappointing one win season, there was speculation that Brad Lambert would be released.[4] Charlotte Chancellor Phillip Dubois and athletics director Judy Rose issued a statement just days after the final game informing the community that Lambert would be retained for the following season.[5] Lambert shook up his staff, firing defensive coordinator Matt Wallerstedt, quarterbacks coach and former offensive coordinator Jeff Mullen and receivers coach Damien Gary.[5] Greg Adkins had replaced Mullen as offensive coordinator mid-season but went back to only having responsibility for the offensive line and running backs and would soon resign to join the staff at conference rival Marshall.[5] Before the end of the year Youngstown State offensive coordinator and former Miami of Ohio head coach Shawn Montgomery would be called in to serve as the 49ers' play caller on offense.[6] In February, former Oklahoma State defensive coordinator Glenn Spencer took the same position on the 49ers' staff.[7] Charlie Shalaski took over responsibility for receivers at the same time.[7] A week later Howard co-defensive coordinator Chip West would join the staff to serve as co-defensive coordinator with Spencer, with Spencer being responsible for linebackers and West being in charge of Cornerbacks.[8] Graduate assistant Brad Queen would move up to the coaching staff to coach defensive tackles.[8] Former Tulane head coach Chris Scelfo joined the staff before the Spring Game to serve as the 49ers offensive line coach and run game coordinator. James Adams's promotion to assistant head coach before the Spring Game rounded out the staff changes for the upcoming 2018 season.[9]
| Name | Position | Seasons at Charlotte | Alma mater |
| Brad Lambert | Head coach/Defensive line | 6 | Kansas State (1987) |
| Shane Montgomery | Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks | 1 | NC State (1989) |
| Glenn Spencer | Co-Defensive coordinator/linebackers | 1 | Georgia Tech (1987) |
| Chip West | Co-Defensive coordinator/Cornerbacks | 1 | Livingston College (1993) |
| James Adams | Assistant Head coach/Safeties | 6 | Wake Forest (2006) |
| Ulrick Edmonds | Recruiting coordinator/Defensive Ends | 3 | James Madison (2001) |
| Keith Henry | Running backs | 2 | Catawba College (1989) |
| Brad Queen | Defensive tackles | 3 | Kentucky Christian (2011) |
| Johnson Richardson | Tight ends | 6 | Wofford (2010) |
| Chris Scelfo | offensive line/run game coordinator | 1 | UL-Monroe (1986) |
| Charlie Skalaski | Receivers/Special teams | 2 | Florida (1978) |
| Reference:[10] | |||
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Recruiting
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Position key
| H-Back | H-Back | Center | C | Cornerback | CB | Defensive back | DB | |||
| Defensive end | DE | Defensive lineman | DL | Defensive tackle | DT | End | E | |||
| Fullback | FB | Guard | G | Halfback | HB | Kicker | K | |||
| Kickoff returner | KR | Offensive tackle | OT | Offensive lineman | OL | Linebacker | LB | |||
| Long snapper | LS | Punter | P | Punt returner | PR | Quarterback | QB | |||
| Running back | RB | Safety | S | Tight end | TE | Wide receiver | WR |
Recruiting class
The following recruits and transfers have signed letters of intent or verbally committed to the Charlotte 49ers football program for the 2018 recruiting year.
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Players
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Roster
Awards and honors
Preseason
In-Season
Post-season
Player gameday honors
| Wearing Jersey #49 | Position | Game | ||
| Brian McDonough | Long Snapper | Fordham | ||
| Timmy Horne | Defensive Lineman | Appalachian State | ||
| Alex Highsmith | Defensive Lineman | Old Dominion | ||
| Chris Brown | Offensive lineman | Massachusetts | ||
| Chris Phillips | Tight end | UAB | ||
| Jeff Gemmell | Linebacker | Western Kentucky | ||
| Hasaan Klugh | Quarterback | Middle Tennessee | ||
| Tyler Fain | Defensive Lineman | Southern Miss | ||
| Cameron Clark | Offensive lineman | Tennessee | ||
| Tyriq Harris | Defensive Lineman | Marshall | ||
| Nate Davis | Offensive lineman | FIU | ||
| Hasaan Klugh | Quarterback | FAU | ||
| Reference:[26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37] | ||||
Depth chart
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Schedule
- This game was originally scheduled for September 15. It was moved up two days in anticipation of Hurricane Florence.[38]
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Television
Charlotte 49ers home games and conference road games will be broadcast through Conference USA's television partners ESPN, CBS Sports, Stadium, beIN, and Facebook Watch.[39][40] Additional games will be available locally in the Charlotte TV market on WCCB.[41]
Radio
Radio coverage for all games is broadcast by IMG College through the Charlotte 49ers Radio Network flagship station WZGV ESPN Radio 730 AM The Game, and the TuneIn Charlotte 49ers IMG Sports Network app. The radio announcers are "Voice of the 49ers" Matt Swierad with play-by-play, former Carolina Panther Kevin Donnalley with color commentary, and Bobby Rosinski with sideline reports. Swierad and Donnalley also host the "Gold Mine Live" Coaches Show each Monday during the season at noon from Norm's in the UNC Charlotte Student Union. "Gold Mine Live" can be heard on Mondays.[42]
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Preseason media poll
Conference USA released their preseason media poll on July 17, 2018, with the 49ers predicted to finish in last place in the East Division.[43]
Game summaries
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Fordham Rams
Fordham at Charlotte
- Date: September 1
- Location: Jerry Richardson Stadium
Charlotte, NC - Game start: 7:14 pm Lightning delay (6:00 pm original time) EDT
- Elapsed time: 3:40
- Game attendance: 9,240
- Game weather: 83°F, Partly Cloudy, 3 mph ENE
- Referee: Jonathan Noli
- TV announcers (ESPN+): Bobby Rosinski, Jay Sonnhalter, Libby Clark
| 1 | 4:37 | CHAR | Jonathan CRUZ 24 Yd Field Goal | CHAR 3–0 |
| 2 | 12:49 | CHAR | Jonathan CRUZ 39 Yd Field Goal | CHAR 6–0 |
| 2 | 11:58 | FORD | Austin LONGI 70 Yd pass from Luke MEDLOCK (Andrew MEVIS Kick) | FORD 7–6 |
| 2 | 10:48 | CHAR | Benny LEMAY 2 Yd Run (Jonathan CRUZ Kick) | CHAR 13–7 |
| 3 | 12:50 | FORD | Andrew MEVIS 32 Yd Field Goal | CHAR 13–10 |
| 3 | 10:10 | CHAR | Benny LEMAY 4 Yd Run (Jonathan CRUZ Kick) | CHAR 20–10 |
| 4 | 14:44 | CHAR | Victor TUCKER 12 Yd pass from Chris REYNOLDS (Jonathan CRUZ Kick) | CHAR 27–10 |
| 4 | 4:34 | CHAR | Juwan FOGGIE 26 Yd Interception Return (Jonathan CRUZ Kick) | CHAR 34–10 |
Lightning delayed the start of the game for over an hour and both teams started off slowly after the delay. Charlotte took a one score lead into the halftime period, which saw another lightning delay force a temporary evacuation of the stadium. Fordham would get the score down to a field goal difference, but the Charlotte offense would finally pull away late with three consecutive touchdowns to end the game nearly five and a half hours after its scheduled start time.
Top performances for the game were narrowly dominated by the 49ers. Quarterback Chris Reynolds threw for 267 yards and a touchdown. Rusher Benny LeMay had 25 carries for 135 yards and two touchdowns. Victor Tucker had 7 receptions for 127 yards and a touchdown.
Game notes:
- First Lightning delayed game in program history.
- First time Jerry Richardson Stadium had to be evacuated.
Appalachian State Mountaineers
Appalachaian State at Charlotte
- Date: September 8
- Location: Jerry Richardson Stadium
Charlotte, NC - Game start: 6:04 pm EDT
- Elapsed time: 2:53
- Game attendance: 19,151
- Game weather: 90°F, Party Cloudy, 0 mph
- Referee: Stephen LaManti
- TV announcers (ESPN+): Bobby Rosinski, Jay Sonnhalter, Libby Clark
| 1 | 10:25 | APP | Chandler STATON 31 Yd Field Goal | APP 3–0 |
| 1 | 1:03 | APP | Zac THOMAS 5 Yd Run (Chandler STATON Kick) | APP 10–0 |
| 2 | 9:05 | CHAR | Jonathan CRUZ 46 Yd Field Goal | APP 10–3 |
| 2 | 6:46 | APP | Corey STATON 27 Yd pass from Zac THOMAS (Chandler STATON Kick) | APP 17–3 |
| 2 | 1:37 | CHAR | Jonathan CRUZ 54 Yd Field Goal | APP 17–6 |
| 2 | 0:43 | APP | Dominique HEATH 7 Yd pass from Zac THOMAS (Chandler STATON Kick) | APP 24–6 |
| 2 | 0:08 | CHAR | Jonathan CRUZ 48 Yd Field Goal | APP 24–9 |
| 3 | 6:01 | APP | Thomas HENNIGAN 59 Yd Punt Return (Chandler STATON Kick) | APP 31–9 |
| 4 | 14:45 | APP | Corey STATON 90 Yd pass from Zac THOMAS (Chandler STATON Kick) | APP 38–9 |
| 4 | 9:28 | APP | Austin EXFORD 0 Yd Fumble Return (Chandler STATON Kick) | APP 45–9 |
These two in-state schools met for the first time on the gridiron in this clash that saw high local interest. App, coming off a near upset win at ranked Penn State the previous weekend wanted to make a statement. They kept the Niners out of the endzone for the entire game. All nine of the Niners points came in the second quarter and from greater than 46 yards away off the foot of Jonathan Cruz. The game was still in reach at halftime, but three second half touchdowns sealed the victory for the Mountaineers.
Top performers for the game include App State quarterback Zach Thomas, who passed for 295 yards and two touchdowns. Both teams defenses were stingy on the ground. App's Jalin Moore and Charlotte's Benny LeMay had similar rushing states with Moore having 11 carries for 38 yards, and LeMay getting 35 yards on 7 carries. App's Corey Xavier Sutton had 3 receptions for 155 yards and two touchdowns.
Game notes:
- For the first time, temporary bleachers were brought in to meet high game ticket demand.
- A new Jerry Richardson Stadium attendance record was set at 19,151.
- First meeting between these in-state schools.
- Kicker Jonathan Cruz was named the Conference USA Special Teams Player of the week.[14]
Old Dominion Monarchs
Old Dominion at Charlotte
- Date: September 13
- Location: Jerry Richardson Stadium
Charlotte, NC - Game start: 4:04 pm EDT
- Elapsed time: 2:54
- Game attendance: 8,204
- Game weather: 84°F, Mostly Cloudy, 8 mph ENE
- Referee: D. Gautreaux
- TV announcers (ESPN3): Bobby Rosinski, Jay Sonnhalter, Libby Clark
| 1 | 6:03 | CHAR | Victor TUCKER 18 Yd pass from Chris REYNOLDS (Jonathan CRUZ Kick) | CHAR 7–0 |
| 1 | 3:02 | ODU | Kesean STRONG 4 Yd Run (Nick RICE PAT blocked) | CHAR 7–6 |
| 2 | 11:25 | CHAR | Jonathan CRUZ 42 Yd Field Goal | CHAR 10–6 |
| 2 | 4:27 | CHAR | Jonathan CRUZ 36 Yd Field Goal | CHAR 13–6 |
| 2 | 1:51 | ODU | Lala DAVIS 20 Yd Run (Two-Point Pass Conversion Failed) | CHAR 13–12 |
| 3 | 12:38 | ODU | Lala DAVIS 3 Yd Run (Two-Point Pass Conversion Failed) | ODU 18–13 |
| 3 | 6:39 | CHAR | Mark QUATTLEBAUM 4 Yd pass from Chris REYNOLDS (Benny LEMAY Run for Two-Point Conversion) | CHAR 21–18 |
| 4 | 8:45 | CHAR | Aaron MCALLISTER 14 Yd Run (Jonathan CRUZ Kick) | CHAR 28–18 |
| 4 | 2:57 | ODU | Jonathan DUHART 2 Yd pass from Steven WILLIAMS (Nick RICE Kick) | CHAR 28–25 |
Due to the expected effects of Hurricane Florence along the eastern seaboard this game, originally scheduled for Saturday, September 15, was moved up two days earlier to Thursday, September 13. Both teams would trade scores throughout the game but Charlotte would finish with the most to secure the conference opener victory and end the three-game season-opening home stand at two wins, one loss.
Top performers for the game were Charlotte quarterback Chris Reynolds who threw for 202 yards and two touchdowns. Old Dominions' Lala Davis rushed for 63 yards on 25 carriers earning two touchdowns. The Monarch' Jonathan Duhart had 7 receptions for 127 yards and a touchdown.
Game notes:
- First weather advanced game in program history.[38]
- First win for the 49ers against their C-USA East Division rival Monarchs.
Massachusetts Minutemen
Charlotte vs UMass
- Date: September 22
- Location: McGuirk Stadium
Amherst, MA - Game start: 3:35 pm EDT
- Elapsed time: 3:12
- Game attendance: 10,086
- Game weather: 67°F, Overcast, 11 mph N
- Referee: Todd LaPenta
- TV announcers (ELVN): Eric Frede, Andy Gresh, Matt Neverett
| 1 | 14:47 | MASS | Marquis YOUNG 93 Yd Kickoff Return (Mike CAGGIANO Kick) | MASS 7–0 |
| 1 | 12:47 | MASS | Andy Isabella 15 Yd pass from Michael CURTIS (Cooper GARCIA Kick) | MASS 14–0 |
| 1 | 11:46 | MASS | Marquis YOUNG 2 Yd Run (Mike CAGGIANO Kick) | MASS 21–0 |
| 1 | 8:51 | MASS | Michael CURTIS 3 Yd Run (Cooper GARCIA Kick) | MASS 28–0 |
| 2 | 4:37 | CHAR | Benny LEMAY 1 Yd Run (Jonathan CRUZ Kick) | MASS 28–7 |
| 2 | 1:05 | MASS | Jessie BRITT 29 Yd pass from Michael CURTIS (Cooper GARCIA Kick) | MASS 35–7 |
| 2 | 0:00 | CHAR | Jonathan CRUZ 33 Yd Field Goal | MASS 35–10 |
| 3 | 7:52 | MASS | Michael CURTIS 2 Yd Run (Cooper GARCIA Kick) | MASS 42–10 |
| 3 | 5:50 | CHAR | R.J. TYLER 16 Yd pass from Chris REYNOLDS (Jonathan GARCIA Kick) | MASS 42–17 |
| 4 | 14:52 | MASS | Marquis YOUNG 43 Yd Run (Cooper GARCIA Kick) | MASS 49–17 |
| 4 | 11:31 | CHAR | Chris PHIPPIPS 2 Yd pass from Chris REYNOLDS (Jonathan CRUZ Kick) | MASS 49–24 |
| 4 | 0:22 | CHAR | Cameron DOLLAR 9 Yd pass from Chris REYNOLDS (Jonathan CRUZ Kick) | MASS 49–31 |
Charlotte's first visit to the State of Massachusetts didn't go quite as they had planned. Giving up a devastating three touchdowns in the first three and a half minutes of the game, including an opening kickoff 93-yard return, a fumble recovery which one play later added another touchdown for the Minutemen, and a blocked punt that three plays later added the third UMass touchdown, would prove insurmountable for the Niners to overcome. Though the Niners would eventually find their offense and trade scores with the Minutement for the final three quarters of the game, the four first quarter touchdowns the Niners gave up proved to be the difference in the final score.
Top performers for the game included Charlotte quarterback Chris Reynolds, who passed for 283 yards and three touchdowns. UMass rusher Marquis Young had 12 carries for 77 yards and two touchdowns. The Minutemen's' Andy Isabella had 6 receptions for 85 yards and a touchdown.
Game notes:
First game for the program in the State of Massachusetts.
UAB Blazers
Charlotte at UAB
- Date: September 29
- Location: Legion Field
Birmingham, AL - Game start: 6:00 pm CDT
- Elapsed time: 2:53
- Game attendance: 25,395
- Game weather: 79°F, Cloudy, 0 mph
- Referee: Billy Williams
- TV announcers (ESPN3): Mike Grace, Chad Pilcher, Madi Morris
| 1 | 11:15 | UAB | Andre WILSON 35 Yd pass from A.J. ERDELY (Nick VOGEL Kick) | UAB 7–0 |
| 1 | 3:41 | UAB | Spencer Brown 2 Yd Run (Nick VOGEL Kick) | UAB 14–0 |
| 2 | 4:28 | UAB | A.J. ERDELY 4 Yd Run (Nick VOGEL Kick) | UAB 21–0 |
| 4 | 5:51 | CHAR | Chris REYNOLDS 4 Yd Run (Jonathan CRUZ Kick) | UAB 21–7 |
| 4 | 3:30 | UAB | Spencer BROWN 2 Yd Run (Nick VOGEL Kick) | UAB 28–7 |
Though a mostly defensive struggle, the eventual C-USA Champions never let the Niners get into their offensive groove, denying them a scoring chance until the fourth quarter. UAB would get the home win to avenge their previous season loss to the Niners, which had been the Niners' only win the previous season.
UAB quarterback A.J. Erdely passed for 214 yards and a touchdown. The Blazers' Spencer Brown had 18 carries for 68 yards and two touchdowns. Blazers' receiver Andre Wilson made the most of his two catches with 67 yards and a touchdown.
Game notes:
- First game in the State of Alabama in team history.
WKU Hilltoppers
Western Kentucky vs Charlotte
- Date: October 13
- Location: Jerry Richardson Stadium
Charlotte, NC - Game start: 3:35 pm EDT
- Elapsed time: 3:08
- Game attendance: 11,610
- Game weather: 70°F, Sunny, 6 mph NNW
- Referee: Jonathan Noli
- TV announcers (ESPN+): Bobby Rosinski, Jay Sonnhalter, Stormy Buonantony
| 1 | 13:15 | CHAR | Benny LEMAY 35 Yd Run (Two-Point Pass Conversion Failed) | CHAR 6–0 |
| 1 | 3:20 | WKU | Kevaris THOMAS 4 Yd Run (Ryan NUSS Kick) | WKU 7–6 |
| 2 | 4:30 | CHAR | Jonathan CRUZ 33 Yd Field Goal | CHAR 9–7 |
| 3 | 9:42 | CHAR | Evan SHIRRIFFS 1 Yd Run (Jonathan CRUZ Kick) | CHAR 16–7 |
| 3 | 4:20 | CHAR | Benny LEMAY 9 Yd Run (Jonathan CRUZ Kick) | CHAR 23–7 |
| 3 | 3:25 | CHAR | Aaron MCALLISTER 14 Yd Run (Jonathan CRUZ Kick) | CHAR 30–7 |
| 4 | 13:57 | CHAR | Jonathan CRUZ 51 Yd Field Goal | CHAR 33–7 |
| 4 | 5:08 | CHAR | Rico ARNOLD 28 Yd pass from Evan SHIRRIFFS (Jonathan CRUZ Kick) | CHAR 40–7 |
| 4 | 1:55 | WKU | Steven WITCHPSKEY 7 Yd pass from Steven Duncan (Ryan NUSS Kick) | CHAR 40–14 |
The struggling Hilltoppers rolled into Charlotte for the first time to take on the 49ers at home. The game was low scoring and close at halftime, but Charlotte soon found their offensive stride in the third quarter to put the game well out of reach.
Top performers for the game included Charlotte quarterback Chris Reynolds, who threw for 119 yards before a season-ending leg injury took him out of the game. Charlotte's Benny LeMay had 17 carries for 1231 yards and two touchdowns. Charlotte's Victor Tucker had 9 receptions for 91 yards.
Game notes:
- Linebacker Juwan Foggie was named the Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week.[15]
- Hilltoppers first visit to Jerry Richardson Stadium.
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
Charlotte vs Middle Tennessee
- Date: October 20
- Location: Johnny "Red" Floyd Stadium
Murfreesboro, TN - Game start: 2:04 pm CDT
- Elapsed time: 2:57
- Game attendance: 13,102
- Game weather: 54°F, Scattered Clounds, 10 mph WNW
- Referee: Rodney Burnette
- TV announcers (ESPN3): Jake Rose, Alex Myers, Sara Cardona
| 1 | 12:58 | CHAR | Benny LEMAY 57 Yd Run (Two-Point Pass Conversion Failed) | CHAR 6–0 |
| 2 | 6:23 | MTSU | Ty LEE 29 Yd pass from Brent STOCKSTILL (Crews HOLT Kick) | MTSU 7–6 |
| 2 | 4:24 | MTSU | Ty LEE 5 Yd pass from Brent STOCKSTILL (Crews HOLT Kick) | MTSU 14–6 |
| 4 | 9:29 | MTSU | Gatlin CASEY 0 Yd Fumble Return (Crews HOLT Kick) | MTSU 21–6 |
| 4 | 1:27 | CHAR | Mark QUATTLEBAUM 23 Yd pass from Evan SHIRREFFS (Jonathan CRUZ Kick) | MTSU 21–13 |
Charlotte would score first and take that lead into the second quarter, but by halftime the Blue Raiders would add two touchdowns of their own. Neither team found points in the third quarter but a costly Charlotte fumble on their own goal line would let the Blue Raider defense score. Charlotte would tack on another touchdown near the end of regulation but it wouldn't be enough to get a win as Charlotte's road woes continued.
Top performers included Middle Tennessee quarterback Brent Stockstill who passed for 111 yards, all three of the Blue Raiders' touchdowns, and an interception. Charlotte's Benny LeMay had 19 carries for 129 yards and a touchdown. Middle Tennessee's Ty Lee had 6 receptions for 60 yards and two touchdowns.
Game notes:
Southern Miss Golden Eagles
Southern Miss vs Charlotte
- Date: October 27
- Location: Jerry Richardson Stadium
Charlotte, NC - Game start: 2:05 pm EDT
- Elapsed time: 3:04
- Game attendance: 8,687
- Game weather: 51°F, Cloudy, 1 mph NW
- TV announcers (ESPN3): Bobby Rosinski, Reggie Walker, Libby Clark
| 1 | 8:18 | CHAR | Hasaan KLUGH 5 Yd Run (Jonathan CRUZ Kick) | CHAR 7–0 |
| 1 | 0:00 | CHAR | Juwan FOGGIE 79 Yd Interception Return (Jonathan CRUZ Kick) | CHAR 14–0 |
| 3 | 10:12 | CHAR | Jonathan CRUZ 40 Yd Field Goal | CHAR 17–0 |
| 3 | 5:58 | Parker SHAUNFIELD 38 Yd Field Goal | CHAR 17–3 | |
| 4 | 9:34 | De'Michael HARRIS 43 Yd pass from Tate WHATLEY (Parker SHAUNFIELD Kick) | CHAR 17–10 | |
| 4 | 4:19 | CHAR | Jonathan CRUZ 39 Yd Field Goal | CHAR 20–10 |
| 4 | 1:11 | Jordan MITCHELL 23 Yd pass from Tate WHATLEY (Parker SHAUNFIELD Kick) | CHAR 20–17 | |
Charlotte would take an early two touchdown lead in the first quarter, helped by a timely Juwan Foggie interception return on what looked otherwise like a scoring drive for the Golden Eagles. Charlotte held Southern Miss scoreless at the half. Both teams would tack on field goals in the third quarter before Southern Miss finally found the endzone in the fourth quarter. The Golden Eagles would add another touchdown late in the game but a 53-yard fourth quarter field goal from Jonathan Cruz proved to be the difference maker for the Niner's to get the home win.
Top performers for the game included Southern Miss quarterback Jack Abraham, who despite throwing 3 interceptions managed to gain 210 yards for the Golden Eagle through the air. Charlotte's Benny LeMay continued his march to a 1000-yard season with 19 carries for 62 yards. The Golden Eagles' Tim Jones had 5 receptions for 96 yards.
Game notes:
- Kicker Jonathan Cruz was again named Conference USA Special Teams Player of the Week.[16]
Tennessee Volunteers
Charlotte vs Tennessee
- Date: November 3
- Location: Neyland Stadium
Knoxville, TN - Game start: 4:01 pm EDT
- Elapsed time: 3:00
- Game attendance: 86,753
- Game weather: 58°F, Sunny, 5 mph ESE
- Referee: Steve Matlowe
- TV announcers (SECN): Mike Morgan, Barrett Jones, Taylor Davis
| 1 | 7:42 | TENN | Marquez CALLAWAY 82 Yd Punt Return (Brent CIMAGLIA Kick) | TENN 7–0 |
| 1 | 0:17 | TENN | Josh PALMER 16 Yd pass from Jarrett Guarantano (Brent CIMAGLIA Kick) | TENN 14–0 |
| 2 | 0:17 | CHAR | Jonathan CRUZ 20 Yd Field Goal | TENN 14–3 |
Early on it looked like the game would get out of hand as the Volunteers gained a two touchdown lead in the first quarter, but Charlotte's 6th place nationally ranked run defense would hold the traditional SEC power to negative running yardage well into the fourth quarter. Tennessee would finish the game with only 20 yards on the ground, but the Tennessee defense was able to keep the Niners from finding the endzone.
Top performers of the game included Tennessee quarterback Jarrett Guarantano, who threw for 172 yards and a touchdown. Charlotte's Benny LeMay had 24 carries for 81 yards, single-handedly quadrupling the total team rushing yardage of the Volunteers. Tennessee's Josh Palmer had 5 receptions for 71 yards and a touchdown.
Game notes:
Marshall Thundering Herd
Charlotte vs Marshall
- Date: November 10
- Location: Joan C. Edwards Stadium
Huntington, WV - Game start: 2:36 pm EST
- Elapsed time: 2:52
- Game attendance: 19,418
- Game weather: 39°F, Sunny, 8 mph WNW
- Referee: Jonathan Noli
- TV announcers (ESPN+): Jake Griffith; Mark Martin
| 1 | 8:42 | CHAR | Evan SHIRREFFS 1 Yd Run (Jonathan CRUZ Kick) | CHAR 7–0 |
| 1 | 5:00 | MARSH | Justin ROHRWASSER 23 Yd Field Goal | CHAR 7–3 |
| 1 | 2:34 | MARSH | Anthony ANDERSON 1 Yd Run (Justin ROHRWASSER Kick) | MARSH 7–10 |
| 2 | 4:21 | MARSH | Justin ROHRWASSER 33 Yd Field Goal | MARSH 13–7 |
| 2 | 0:00 | CHAR | Jonathan CRUZ 40 Yd Field Goal | MARSH 13–10 |
| 3 | 13:48 | CHAR | Jonathan CRUZ 35 Yd Field Goal | TIED 13–13 |
| 3 | 9:59 | MARSH | Brenden KNOX 4 Yd Run (Justin ROHRWASSER Kick) | MARSH 20–13 |
| 3 | 4:39 | MARSH | Justin ROHRWASSER 23 Yd Field Goal | MARSH 23–13 |
| 3 | 0:37 | MARSH | Obi OBIALO 10 Yd pass from Isaiah GREEN (Justin ROHRWASSER Kick) | MARSH 30–13 |
The game would stay a tight scoring affair with the Niner's evening the game up early in the third quarter, But Marshall would add two touchdowns and a field goal before the end of the quarter to earn the home victory and keeping the Niners winless on the road for the season.
Top performances for the game were Marshall quarterback Isaiah Green, with 178 passing yards and a touchdown. The Herd's Brendan Knox had 22 carries for 116 yards and a touchdown. Thundering Herd receiver Tyre Brady had 6 receptions for 95 yards.
Game notes:
FIU Panthers
FIU vs Charlotte
- Date: November 17
- Location: Jerry Richardson Stadium
Charlotte, NC - Game start: 2:05 pm EDT
- Elapsed time: 3:08
- Game attendance: 13,371
- Game weather: 60°F, Sunny, 3 mph E
- Referee: Steven LaMantia
- TV announcers (ESPN3): Bobby Rosinski, Jay Sonnhalter, Libby Clark
| 1 | 12:49 | CHAR | Benny LEMAY 9 Yd Run (Jonathan CRUZ Kick) | CHAR 7–0 |
| 1 | 8:49 | FIU | José Borregales 25 Yd Field Goal | CHAR 7–3 |
| 1 | 5:33 | FIU | Sage LEWIS 61 Yd Fumble Return (José BORREGALES Kick) | FIU 10–7 |
| 2 | 12:03 | FIU | José BORREGALES 28 Yd Field Goal | FIU 13–7 |
| 2 | 9:37 | CHAR | Benny LEMAY 1 Yd Run (Jonathan CRUZ Kick) | CHAR 14–13 |
| 2 | 3:38 | FIU | Napoleon MAXWELL 39 Yd Run (José BORREGALES Kick) | FIU 20–14 |
| 3 | 12:54 | FIU | Anthony JONES 6 Yd pass from James MORGAN (José BORREGALES Kick) | FIU 27–14 |
| 3 | 4:33 | CHAR | Benny LEMAY 1 Yd Run (Jonathan CRUZ Kick) | FIU 27–21 |
| 4 | 14:56 | FIU | Anthony JONES 3 Yd pass from James MORGAN (James MORGAN Pass to Tony GAITER IV for Two-Point Conversion) | FIU 35–21 |
| 4 | 9:33 | CHAR | Benny LEMAY 6 Yd Run (Jonathan CRUZ Kick) | FIU 35–28 |
| 4 | 7:04 | FIU | Napoleon MAXWELL 52 Yd Run (José BORREGALES Kick) | FIU 42–28 |
| 4 | 1:14 | CHAR | Chris PHILLIPS 12 Yd pass from Hasaan KLUGH (Jonathan CRUZ Kick) | FIU 42–35 |
With the Panthers still in the hunt for the East Division crown and a chance to make the Conference USA Championship Game on the line, the 49ers faced a tall order on Senior Day. The two teams would trade leads with the Panthers heading in at the half with a one score lead. Despite a dominating ground performance from Charlotte rusher Benny LeMay, the Niners wouldn't find the lead again, but always managed to keep it within one score. A final on-sides recovery attempt failed and the Niners lost their second and last home game of the season.
Top performers for the game included Panthers' quarterback James Morgan, who threw for 268 yards and 2 touchdowns. Charlotte's Benny LeMay would rack up four touchdowns and 159 yards on 30 carries. Charlotte's Victor Tucker had 4 receptions for 115 yards.
Game notes:
- Benny LeMay would tie the single-game scoring record held by receiver Austin Duke of four touchdowns.
- LeMay would become the second 49er with a 1000-yard season, joining Kalif Phillips.
- LeMay also broke the 49ers' single-season rushing record as members of FBS.
- Head Coach Brad Lambert was released following the game and the Niner's elimination from bowl eligibility. He would coach the Niners in the final game of the season on the road at FAU.[1][2]
Florida Atlantic Owls
Charlotte vs Florida Atlantic
- Date: November 24
- Location: FAU Stadium
CBoca Raton, FL - Game start: 6:06 pm EST
- Elapsed time: 3:05
- Game attendance: 11,638
- Game weather: 84°F, Partly Cloudy, 17 mph WSW
- TV announcers (Stadium/WCCB): Chris Hassel, Max Starks, Kristen Balboni
| 1 | 14:47 | FAU | Kerrith Whyte 75 Yd pass from Chris ROBINSON (Vladimir RIVAS Kick) | FAU 7–0 |
| 1 | 9:52 | CHAR | Mark QUATTLEBAUM 12 Yd pass from Hasaan KLUGH (Jonathan CRUZ Kick) | TIED 7–7 |
| 1 | 2:03 | CHAR | Jonathan CRUZ 30 Yd Field Goal | CHAR 10–7 |
| 2 | 3:29 | FAU | John RAINE 23 Yd pass from Chris ROBINSON (Vladimir RIVAS Kick) | FAU 14–10 |
| 2 | 0:46 | FAU | Chris ROBINSON 4 Yd Run (Vladimir RIVAS Kick) | FAU 21–10 |
| 3 | 8:27 | CHAR | Benny LEMAY 54 Yd Run (Jonathan CRUZ Kick) | FAU 21–17 |
| 4 | 14:21 | CHAR | Hasaan KLUGH 13 Yd Run (Jonathan CRUZ Kick) | CHAR 24–21 |
| 4 | 3:12 | FAU | Vladimir RIVAS 33 Yd Field Goal | TIED 24–24 |
| 4 | 0:25 | CHAR | Jonathan CRUZ 56 Yd Field Goal | CHAR 27–24 |
The defending Conference USA Champions were looking to extend their season by becoming bowl eligible off of a fifth straight win. The Niners were looking for their first road win and to send their seniors and their head coach out as victors. It looked like the Owls would have the upper hand early when they scored on the very first play from scrimmage, however the Niners would have the lead heading into the second quarter. The Owls had their biggest lead of the game heading into halftime, but in the second half Charlotte would battle back to retake the lead early in the fourth quarter. The Owls would tie the game up with a little more than three minutes left on the clock, but Charlotte kicker and two time Conference USA Special Teams Player of the Week Jonathan Cruz would hit a decisive 56 yard field goal with under half a minute left on the clock to give the Niners their only road win of the season.
Top performers of the game included Florida Atlantic passer Chris Robinson who threw for 273 yards and 2 touchdowns. Charlotte's Benny LeMay capped a stellar season with 24 carries for 173 yards and a touchdown. The Owls' Kerrith Whyte Jr. had 3 receptions for 92 yards and a touchdown.
Game notes:
- The win gave Lambert his final victory as Charlotte 49ers head coach with an overall record of 22–48 in his six seasons (9–31 against FBS opponents).
- Jonathan Cruz's two 50+ yard field goals, including the game-winner, earned him an unprecedented third Conference USA Special Teams Player of the Week honor.[18]
- Defensive end Alex Highsmith tied Larry Ogunjobi's single-game tackles for loss mark at 4.5 TFL's.
- Highsmith broke Ogunjobi's single-season TFL record with 17.5 TFL's.
- Highsmith was named to the Pro Football Focus National Defensive Team of the Week and the College Sports Madness Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week.[19]
- Benny LeMay finished the season with 2135 all-purpose yards (1128 rushing, 1007 receiving).
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Attendance
| Season | Games | Sellouts | W–L (%) | Attendance | Average | Best |
| 2018 | 6 | 1 | 4–2 (.667) | 70,263 | 11,710 | 19,151 |
Players drafted into the NFL
References
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