CHARLOTTE – The Charlotte 49ers football program has announced the hiring of Tim Albin as their new head coach. Charlotte Athletics Director Mike Hill welcomed Coach Albin after his team's successful Mid-American Conference Championship Game win on Saturday afternoon.

“We had incredible interest in this position which speaks to the remarkable opportunity ahead of Tim and the program he will build here in the Queen City," Hill said. "From the outset, we sought an experienced collegiate coach with a proven track record of sustained success on the field and in the recruitment and development of student-athletes. Tim’s professional accolades and resume check all those boxes, but his leadership, stewardship, and commitment to the holistic development of our football student-athletes set him apart.”

Albin, a seasoned coach with a proven track record of success, joins the 49ers after a successful stint as the head coach at Ohio University. He led the Bobcats to three straight 10-win seasons and the Mid-American Conference championship and coach of the year honors this year. In over one hundred years of Ohio football history, the Bobcats have six 10-win seasons. Albin was responsible for three of those during his four years as head coach and was an assistant for another in 2011. Albin was the conference’s coach of the year in two of his four seasons at the helm. Under his guidance, the team has consistently ranked among the top offensive units in the MAC, breaking numerous school records in rushing, passing, and scoring. 

“I am beyond excited to begin this new journey at Charlotte and start the process of developing the 49ers into the championship-caliber program we all believe it can and should be,” Albin said. “I would like to thank Chancellor Sharon Gaber and Mike Hill for their trust and belief in our future together. I cannot wait to get started.” 

Prior to holding the head coaching position at Ohio, Albin was the team’s offensive coordinator for fifteen years under Frank Solich. Albin's coaching career spans several institutions, including North Dakota State, Nebraska, and Northwestern Oklahoma State, where he led the Rangers to the 1999 NAIA national championship. 

CHARLOTTE – In a heart-stopping senior day finale, the Charlotte 49ers secured a dramatic 29-27 victory over UAB, clinching the program's first five-win season since 2021.

Freshman quarterback Deshawn Purdie emerged as the game's defining player, connecting with O'Mega Blake on a critical 46-yard touchdown pass that proved decisive. Despite struggling throughout much of the game, Purdie delivered when it mattered most, with interim coach Tim Brewster noting, "The moment is never too big."

The victory was a testament to the team's unity, embodied by running backs Hahsaun Wilson and Cartevious Norton, who both scored touchdowns. Wilson reflected on the team's spirit, stating, "When you have a team that's playing selfishly and doesn't play for anything but themselves, it gets hard. When you stick together and band together, nobody can stop (you)."

The game's dramatic conclusion came down to the wire, with UAB attempting a potential game-winning field goal. Defensive end Mike Kelly-Lawson captured the moment's intensity, saying, "I've been here for six years, I've been through five playing seasons and a lot of crazy games. The football gods have to be on your side."

Senior wide receiver Sean Brown achieved a personal milestone, recording his first 100-yard game in his final collegiate appearance. "It feels pretty good. I always wanted one," Brown said. "But in the last game? It feels pretty good to get it."

Interim coach Tim Brewster saw the win as more than just a single game, declaring, "These seniors have this victory for the rest of their lives." He emphasized the team's potential, noting, "This is a really great job. I think the future is extremely bright."

O'Mega Blake tied the program's single-season touchdown record with his ninth score, while freshman quarterback Purdie continued to make history by setting multiple first-year player records.

The victory was a fitting conclusion to a challenging season, with players and coaches celebrating a moment of triumph that transcended the final score. As Brewster put it, "This is why you lift all the weights, and you do everything that you do — to experience moments like we did tonight."

Charlotte's win not only secured a positive end to their season but also showcased the program's resilience and potential for future success. The next step for the 49ers will be to find the program's fourth head coach in its history.

GREENVILLE – In a move that signals continuity and promise, East Carolina University has transformed Blake Harrell's interim leadership into a permanent appointment, crowning him as the 23rd head football coach of the Pirates program.

Harrell's journey to this moment is a testament to leadership and performance. After taking over as interim head coach on October 20, he orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, guiding the Pirates to four consecutive victories and securing bowl eligibility. The team's offensive explosion during this stretch – scoring 183 points and amassing 2,140 total yards – spoke volumes about Harrell's strategic acumen.

With a defensive background that includes successful tenures at Lenoir-Rhyne, Kennesaw State, and The Citadel, Harrell brings a proven track record of defensive excellence. His defensive units have consistently ranked among the top in their conferences, highlighting his ability to build competitive, disciplined teams.

Athletic Director Jon Gilbert's confidence in Harrell is palpable. "He excelled in all areas," Gilbert noted, praising the coach's dedication, communication skills, and ability to connect with players. Harrell's vision extends beyond the field, with a commitment to navigating the evolving landscape of college athletics, including Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities.

For Harrell, the appointment is more than a professional milestone. "Pirate Nation is second to none," he said, emphasizing his family's commitment to Greenville and the program's future.

As the Pirates prepare for their upcoming bowl game, all eyes are on Harrell – a coach who has transformed an interim opportunity into a definitive leadership role.

CHARLOTTE – In a surprising turn of events, the Charlotte 49ers have dismissed head football coach Biff Poggi after just over a year at the helm. The decision comes following a challenging season marred by injuries and a 3-7 start to the current campaign.

Poggi, known for his unique sideline style and impressive resume from his time at Saint Frances Academy and The Gilman School, took over the Charlotte program in 2023. Despite his efforts to revamp the 49ers through extensive use of the transfer portal, the team struggled to find consistent success, finishing 3-9 last season and starting this year with a 3-7 record. 

Poggi's tenure was marked by his commitment to the team and his unique approach to coaching, but ultimately, the results on the field did not meet the expectations of the administration and fans alike. “I am thankful to Biff Poggi for his leadership and mentorship of our student-athletes over these past two seasons,” Charlotte Athletics Director Mike Hill said. “No one can question Biff’s passion for helping young people succeed in life, both personally and professionally, but our on-field results have unfortunately fallen short of everyone’s expectations. As we move forward into the next chapter of Charlotte 49er Football, we will be looking for a leader to take our program to the next level as a consistent bowl and championship contender.”

The 49ers will now look to regroup and rebuild under new leadership as they continue their journey in the American Athletic Conference. Tight ends coach and associate head coach Tim Brewster will serve as the interim head coach for the remainder of the season.

GREENVILLE – East Carolina quarterback Katin Houser threw for a career-high 343 yards and five touchdowns as the Pirates dominated Florida Atlantic 49-14 in a Thursday night American Athletic Conference matchup at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.

The Pirates (5-4, 3-2 AAC) wasted no time getting started, scoring on their opening drive when Houser connected with Chase Sowell for a 50-yard touchdown just 24 seconds into the game. That quick strike set the tone for what would become ECU’s most productive offensive performance of the season, as they accumulated 581 total yards.

“We got off to a great start putting points up early,” said ECU interim head coach Blake Harrell, who improved to 2-0 since taking over the program on October 20. “The offense and Katin, those guys are clicking over there right now. I’m so proud of them and it’s not just Katin or one player. It’s receivers, running backs, O-line, quarterback, all on the same page and having the same mindset.”

Houser continued his hot streak by finding Winston Wright Jr. for two first-quarter touchdown passes of 47 and 8 yards, helping the Pirates build a 21-0 lead. The junior quarterback has now thrown 10 touchdowns in his last two games and added a 35-yard rushing touchdown before halftime.

East Carolina’s offensive explosion included 418 first-half yards, their highest total in a half since September 2014 against North Carolina. Anthony Smith had a career night with 120 receiving yards on just three catches, including a 64-yard reception and a touchdown. It marked Smith’s second consecutive game with over 100 receiving yards.

The Pirates’ ground game complemented the aerial attack effectively, with Jhari Patterson leading the way with a career-best 61 yards on three carries. Rahjai Harris added 55 yards and a touchdown on eight attempts as ECU averaged 7 yards per rush.

Florida Atlantic (2-7, 0-5 AAC) struggled to contain ECU’s offense throughout the night, though they did manage two second-half scoring drives. The Owls’ touchdowns came on a 2-yard pass from Kasen Weisman to Jabari Smith in the second quarter and another 2-yard touchdown pass to CJ Campbell, Jr. late in the fourth quarter.

The Pirates’ defense continued its opportunistic play, forcing two interceptions. Ja’Marley Riddle recorded his third pick in the last two games, while Gavin Gibson added another interception. Linebacker Zakye Barker led the defensive effort with eight tackles, including 2.5 for loss.

Under the lights at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, a crowd of 30,573 watched as ECU improved to 4-1 at home this season. The strong fan turnout didn’t go unnoticed by Harrell.

“For our student section to show out like that, for Pirate Nation to show out like that for an ESPN nationally televised game — that was freaking awesome and our kids fed off of that,” Harrell said. “They love playing here and playing in front of Pirate Nation.”

The victory puts East Carolina one win away from bowl eligibility with three games remaining. The Pirates will look to secure that crucial sixth win next Thursday when they travel to face Tulsa.

“These guys are playing with confidence and to get these seniors to a bowl game, the way they’ve worked — it’s easy in life when things don’t go right to give up or turn away. These young men are going to finish what they started,” Harrell said. “I told them during the bye week that it’s the fourth quarter. It’s no quarter time. It’s time to go finish this thing off the right way.”

The win marked East Carolina’s third all-time victory over Florida Atlantic and improved their record to 2-0 against the Owls in Greenville. The Pirates have now forced at least one turnover in 46 of their last 52 games, continuing a trend of defensive opportunism that has helped fuel their success this season.

WEST POINT, NY – In a historic matchup at Michie Stadium, Army (7-0, 6-0 AAC) secured its first-ever victory over East Carolina (3-4, 1-2 AAC) with a commanding 45-28 win on Saturday, snapping the Pirates’ eight-game series winning streak.

Army quarterback Bryson Daily orchestrated a dominant rushing attack, accounting for six touchdowns - five on the ground and one through the air - while amassing 171 rushing yards on 31 carries. The Black Knights controlled the tempo throughout, holding possession for over 37 minutes and accumulating 295 rushing yards.

Making his first start in purple and gold, ECU quarterback Katin Houser showed promise despite the loss, throwing for 282 yards and three touchdowns. Wide receiver Chase Sowell emerged as Houser’s primary target, recording seven catches for 138 yards including a 53-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter - marking ECU’s first 100-yard receiver performance this season.

The Black Knights built a commanding 24-0 halftime lead, capitalizing on efficient drives and strong field position. Army’s defense kept ECU’s ground game in check, limiting the Pirates to just 87 rushing yards on 20 attempts.

ECU’s offense found its rhythm in the second half, with Houser connecting on touchdown passes to Sowell, Anthony Smith, and Winston Wright Jr. The Pirates outscored Army 28-21 after halftime, posting the highest point total against the undefeated Black Knights this season.

The loss drops East Carolina to 1-3 on the road this season. The Pirates return home next Saturday to host Temple for their Homecoming game, while Army continues its pursuit of an undefeated season.

Noteworthy: Devon King led the Pirates’ defense with a career-high eight tackles, while Zakye Barker also recorded eight stops including half a tackle for loss. ECU attempted its first onside kick since September 2021, spanning 41 games.

In the first game of the day, the Duke Blue Devils hosted the Pittsburgh Panthers at Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium, where they emerged victorious with a score of 30-19. Duke's Grayson Loftis threw for 248 yards and 2 touchdowns, while LeQuint Allen rushed for 144 yards. Despite a valiant effort from Pittsburgh's Nate Yarnell, who threw for 265 yards and 3 touchdowns, the Panthers were unable to secure a win.

Also in the noon kickoff window, the Syracuse Orange triumphed over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons with a final score of 35-31 at JMA Wireless Dome. Syracuse's Garrett Shrader passed for 173 yards and 3 touchdowns and rushed for 46 yards and 1 touchdown. Wake Forest's Taylor Morin had an impressive game with 140 receiving yards, 7 receptions, and 2 rushing yards, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Orange.

In the midafternoon, the Tulsa Golden Hurricane narrowly edged out the East Carolina Pirates in a thrilling match that ended 29-27. The game, held at Bagwell Field at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, saw Tulsa's Anthony Watkins rush for 106 yards and Kirk Francis pass for 297 yards and 2 touchdowns. Despite a strong performance from East Carolina's Alex Flinn, who passed for 184 yards and 2 touchdowns, the Pirates fell short.

Finally, the South Florida Bulls trounced the Charlotte 49ers with a score of 48-14 at Raymond James Stadium. The Bulls' defense was the star of the show, holding the 49ers to just 14 points. Standout performances included South Florida's Byrum Brown, who threw for 253 yards and 4 touchdowns, and Kelley Joiner, who had 71 receiving yards, 4 receptions, 2 touchdowns, and 33 rushing yards.

ANNAPOLIS, MD – East Carolina’s football woes continued as they dropped to a 2-9 overall record and 2-4 in Annapolis, suffering a 10-0 defeat at the hands of Navy. The loss concluded the ECU’s road schedule for the season, with the Pirates finishing 1-5 away from home.

In a challenging offensive outing, ECU failed to score for the first time since October 4, 1997, when they suffered a 56-0 loss to Syracuse, ending a remarkable streak of 322 consecutive games with points on the board. The Pirates managed only 189 yards of total offense, including a season-low 34 rushing yards, highlighting the struggles on that side of the ball.

Despite the offensive difficulties, East Carolina’s defense showcased its resilience by holding Navy to 10 points. This marked the fourth time this season that the Pirates limited an opponent to 13 points or less. 

In individual player performances, quarterback Alex Flinn faced immense pressure from Navy’s defense but completed a career-high 24 of 38 pass attempts for 155 yards. However, he failed to secure any touchdowns and threw two interceptions. Flinn also led the team in rushing with 31 yards on 12 carries.

Chase Sowell emerged as a bright spot for the receiving corps, totaling 62 yards on 11 catches. On the defensive side, Teylor Jackson recorded his first career forced fumble, while Jason Shuford achieved his first career fumble recovery. BJ Davis stood out with a team-high 10 tackles, reaching double figures for the second consecutive week.

Looking ahead to their final game of the 2023 season, East Carolina is set to face Tulsa in an American Athletic Conference matchup on Saturday, November 25. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m., and the game will be streamed live via ESPN+.

As the Pirates prepare to conclude their season, Coach Mike Houston remains focused on ending on a positive note against Tulsa, stating, “We have a chance to finish things off on a positive note with a win at home next week against a very talented Tulsa team."

TULSA, OK – The Charlotte 49ers pulled off a stunning comeback, overtime victory Saturday afternoon on the road against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane. Walk-on quarterback Trexler Ivey led the 49ers offense back from a 17-0 deficit to secure the 49ers’ second win as a member of the American Athletic Conference.

The first quarter began with the Charlotte 49ers receiving the kickoff at their own 18-yard line. However, after an exchange of punts and a couple of turnovers on downs, it was the Tulsa Golden Hurricane who struck first. Cardell Williams, the Golden Hurricane' star running back, found the end zone twice with impressive rushes, and Chase Meyer added the extra points with successful kicks, putting Tulsa ahead 14-0.

Jairus Mack led the 49ers with 124 receiving yards Photo Credit: Sam Roberts/FreezeFrame

The 49ers didn't give up, and in the second quarter, Kyle Cunanan finally got Charlotte on the board with a 22-yard field goal. Terron Kellman later contributed a one-yard rushing touchdown to narrow the gap, making it 10-17 at halftime.

The third quarter saw Charlotte's defense and special teams stepping up their game, earning a safety after a Reid Williford blocked punt out of the back of the end zone and forcing a missed field goal attempt by the Golden Hurricane. Kyle Cunanan continued to prove himself as Charlotte's savior, drilling a 23-yard field goal to close the deficit to 15-17.

The fourth quarter was a rollercoaster of momentum and emotions for both squads. Cunanan's 49-yard field goal put Charlotte ahead, 18-17. However, Anthony Watkins responded with a one-yard rushing touchdown for the Golden Hurricane, taking back the lead at 23-18. Trexler Ivey led the 49ers on an impressive drive, connecting with Jack Hestera for an 18-yard touchdown pass, giving Charlotte a 26-23 lead. Tulsa's Chase Meyer forced overtime with a 27-yard field goal in the closing moments of regulation.

In overtime, the 49ers received the ball and wasted no time, as Trexler Ivey sneaked into the end zone for a one-yard touchdown. Kyle Cunanan's successful kick put Charlotte ahead 33-26.

Tulsa had its chance to respond, but Charlotte's Dontae Balfour intercepted a pass, sealing the breathtaking victory for the 49ers. The crowd erupted in celebration as the home team completed the comeback.

Key Players and Stats

-Trexler Ivey, Charlotte's quarterback, completed 20 of 36 passes for 277 yards and one touchdown.
-Nikhai Hill-Green led Charlotte with 11 tackles, 2.0 TFL, a forced fumble and a pass break-up.
-Terron Kellman was Charlotte's standout running back, carrying the ball 21 times for 53 yards and one rushing touchdown.
-Jairus Mack has seven catches for 124 yards.
-Jack Hestera caught 2 passes for 53 yards, including a crucial 18-yard touchdown reception.
-Kyle Cunanan's field goals were pivotal, making three of four attempts, including the game-tying 49-yarder.

Next Week

The 49ers will face Memphis at home next Saturday in an American Athletic Conference game set for 2 p.m. on ESPN+.

GREENVILLE – Charlotte’s stout defense had a record-setting performance as the 49ers picked up their first-ever American Athletic Conference victory, defeating East Carolina 10-7 on a chilly Saturday afternoon at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.

The 49ers displayed their dominance right from the outset, with quarterback Jalon Jones engineering an impressive 73-yard drive on the opening possession, consuming a season-long 7 minutes and 28 seconds of play. Kicker Jake Larson then converted a 35-yard field goal, giving Charlotte an early 3-0 lead. The 49ers’ defense complemented the strong start, holding ECU to a mere 49 yards of total offense in the first half, maintaining their lead heading into the break.

The second half began with Charlotte extending their lead as Jones executed a 30-yard pass play to Duane Thomas Jr., setting up his own one-yard touchdown run. This score marked Jones’ team-leading fourth rushing touchdown of the season.

Charlotte QB Jalon Jones Photo Credit: Sam Roberts/FreezeFrame

The 49ers’ defense continued to stifle ECU, limiting them to 10 yards or less on eight of their first nine possessions, preserving the 10-0 lead well into the fourth quarter.

However, a muffed punt changed the course of the game, as it set up ECU at the Charlotte 10-yard line with 13:22 to play. ECU capitalized on the opportunity, narrowing the lead to 10-7 with a 10-yard pass from Alex Flinn to Shane Calhoun.

In a nail-biting final quarter, Charlotte had a chance to seal the victory but failed to convert on a 45-yard field goal attempt. The 49ers’ defense stepped up once again, forcing ECU into a three-and-out, with Stone Handy contributing an 11-yard sack to protect their slim lead.

ECU had one last opportunity, taking over with 2:29 on the clock. After three first downs moved the ball to the Charlotte 29, Eyabi Okie-Anoma delivered an eight-yard sack, pushing the Pirates back to the 37. One play later, ECU managed to gain six yards on third-and-18, moving to the 31. However, the 48-yard field goal attempt went wide, securing Charlotte’s first-ever victory as a member of the AAC.

Key statistics of the game included Jalon Jones rushing for a career-high 127 yards, marking the first 100-yard rushing performance by a 49er this season. Charlotte’s defense recorded 6.0 tackles for loss, the fifth time this year that they achieved this feat. Eyabi Okie-Anoma registered his fifth sack of the season, tying for the fifth-most in a single season by a 49er. He also recorded one quarterback hurry, bringing his season total to nine, just one shy of Larry Ogunjobi’s school record.

For ECU, Julius Wood led the defense with 10 tackles and logged his third career interception. Kingston McInstry collected his first career fumble recovery, and Alex Flinn, who entered the contest in the second half, completed 11 of 18 pass attempts for 69 yards and a touchdown. Shane Calhoun caught his second touchdown reception of the season and sixth of his career.

The game was East Carolina’s first meeting with Charlotte on the gridiron, and the Pirates are now 55-13 in Homecoming contests. Despite the loss, ECU has an impressive streak of not being shut out in 319 games, setting a school record.

Charlotte head coach Biff Poggi expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, emphasizing their inaugural AAC victory as a historic achievement. ECU head coach Mike Houston acknowledged the close game and the missed opportunities, vowing to improve for future contests.

Charlotte’s win marks a significant milestone in their young program’s history, while ECU will be looking to bounce back in their upcoming games.

Up Next: East Carolina takes on American Athletic Conference newcomer UTSA next Saturday at the Alamodome in San Antonio. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m., with the game streaming live via ESPN+. Charlotte plays host to fellow American Athletic Conference newcomer Florida Atlantic this Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2.

CHARLOTTE – The Charlotte 49ers went into Saturday’s homecoming matchup against Navy looking for their first win as a member of the American Athletic Conference. Standing in their way were the Midshipmen from the US Naval Academy. In a game marked by stellar defensive play and a total of twenty punts, the visiting Navy squad was able to sail away with a 14-0 win over the 49ers in front of a sellout crowd.

An uneventful first half saw both teams punting six times while their offenses struggled to find rhythm. The second half started as the first half ended, but the stalemate was finally broken on a busted coverage by the Charlotte defense. When Navy quarterback Braxton Woodson, in a relief role after starter Tai Lavatai was injured early in the game, hit an open Eli Heidenreich in the middle of the secondary, the sophomore raced sixty-nine yards to the end zone to give the visiting Midshipmen a 7-0 lead.

It took until the fourth quarter for more points to be scored. A fumble by Charlotte set up Navy with good field position and the Midshipmen took advantage of another defensive miscue as Alex Tecza took a simple dive play up the middle and sprinted sixty-two yards to set the final margin for the game.

Demetrius Knight II led Charlotte with seven total tackles and Nikhai Hill-Green added five solo tackles and a sack. Aside from the two long touchdown plays, the Charlotte defense stymied Navy’s triple-option offense, forcing seven three-and-outs and eleven punts. Although the Charlotte offense never found the end zone, Shadrick Byrd effectively ran the ball, tallying ninety-two yards on the afternoon.

Up Next

Charlotte travels to Greenville to take on East Carolina in the first-ever football game between the two in-state conference foes. Both teams are looking for their first conference win of the season. Kickoff is set for 2 pm.

Going into the season, Poggi’s stated goals were to dominate the line of scrimmage so the 49ers run game would set the tone. Although it took a few drives to work out the kinks, the 49ers were finally able to push their way down the field for their first score of the game. A one-yard Jalon Jones keeper capped off a sixty-eight-yard drive with each yard coming on the ground. Charlotte’s running game kept the momentum going on their next drive. Freshman Durell Robinson showed flashes of what made him such a highly sought-after recruit out of high school. With lightning-quick cuts behind the line of scrimmage, Robinson racked up seventy-one yards over two drives and scored the first of what fans hope will be many touchdowns for the green and gold. Kyle Cunanan’s forty-five-yard field goal gave the 49ers a two-touchdown lead going into the half.

South Carolina State had their first sustained drive of the evening midway through the third quarter. As the Bulldogs faced a fourth down inside the two-yard line, the 49ers defense lived up to their “Bad Company” moniker and held South Carolina State out of the end zone. After punting it back to the Bulldogs, the 49ers defense again held on fourth down, turning South Carolina State over on downs for the second straight drive. The Charlotte offense saw itself facing a fourth down on its next drive, but a quarterback sneak kept the chains moving. Facing another fourth down a few plays later, the 49ers opted to attempt a field goal, but the kick sailed wide.

Charlotte’s first passing touchdown of the season came on some impressive improvisation by quarterback Jalon Jones, who scrambled and tossed a quick pass to tight end Bryce Kennon, who raced thirty-six yards down the home sideline to hit paydirt. The big play ignited the Charlotte sideline, and the defense came out blazing on the next drive. Freshman defensive back Kameron Howard stepped in front of a South Carolina State pass, picked it off and raced to the Bulldog twenty-two-yard line.

Jalon Jones was 13 of 19 for 125 yards and a touchdown through the air with sixty-three yards and a touchdown on the ground. Durell Robinson led a balanced 49ers rushing attack with seventy-four yards and a touchdown. Terron Kellman and Shadrick Byrd also saw time at running back and combined for ninety-two yards rushing.

Wayne Jones led the defensive effort with ten tackles (five solo) with Demetrius Knight and Nikhai Hill-Green each tallying seven tackles to guide the strong defensive effort. Prince Bemah, and Eyabi Okie-Anoma each had a sack, and Michael Kelly and Demon Clowney shared a sack. Kameron Howard had the team’s lone turnover, a fourth-quarter interception.

Charlotte (1-0) travels to College Park next Saturday to take on Maryland from the Big Ten. The game will be broadcast on NBC, marking the first time the 49ers will have played on a national, over-the-air broadcast network.

ANN ARBOR - The Michigan Wolverines soared past the East Carolina Pirates in their season opener, winning 30-3 in front of a Michigan Stadium crowd of 109,480. Despite the absence of Jim Harbaugh, who is serving a suspension to start the season, the No. 2 Wolverines were nearly flawless in their victory over ECU, the first time the two schools have played each other.

East Carolina put up a valiant effort but was seemingly outmatched from the opening whistle. Quarterback Mason Garcia did everything he could to move the Pirates' offense down the field, but the Michigan defense held the Pirates to 235 total yards with Garcia leading the team in both passing and rushing yards. Julius Wood paced the team on defense with nine total tackles (five solo) while Mike Edwards III notched eight tackles (seven solo) including one for a loss. Kicker Andrew Conrad’s field goal as time expired kept the Pirates from being shut out.

Michigan was led by quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who passed for 280 yards and threw for three touchdowns. Running back Blake Corum also had a strong game, with seventy-three rushing yards and a touchdown. The Wolverines’ receiving corps also had a standout performance. Roman Wilson led the way with seventy-eight receiving yards and six receptions, including three touchdowns. Cornelius Johnson also contributed with seventy-one receiving yards and five receptions.

Overall, it was a strong start to the season for Michigan, while East Carolina will look to bounce back in their next game next week against Marshall.

GREENVILLE – The thirteenth-ranked NC State Wolfpack survived on Saturday afternoon after a failed comeback attempt by the host East Carolina Pirates. A record crowd of 51,711 at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium watched the Wolfpack power out to a 21-7 halftime lead before the Pirates scored thirteen unanswered points in the second half to come up just short.

After an ECU third-quarter touchdown made it a one-score game, a goal-line stand by the Pirates defense gave the home fans hope for the comeback. Seven minutes later, the Pirates offense, led by signal caller Holton Ahlers, found the end zone in hopes of tying the game up, but the PAT was wide and the Wolfpack was clinging to a one-point lead. The Pirates defense stepped up again, forcing a punt, and the ECU offense got in NC State territory with just a few seconds left but the potential game-winning field goal was wide and the Wolfpack escaped with the one-point win.

Coaches Corner

NC State Head Coach Dave Doeren

"First, give East Carolina a lot of credit. We were up 21-7 and their kids fought. The most disappointing part for us is not scoring at the goal line and the other opportunities that we didn't come up with points. There's a lot to look at on film. It always starts with the schemes that we're running, seeing how we're coaching things, looking at guys that are running the plays and where we can get better and we will get a lot better. The one thing I can't do is change our record tomorrow. We're 1-0 and we're excited. The last time I was here, we lost 33-30 so it feels good to leave with a win. You've got to give Coach Houston and his staff at ECU a lot of credit. They did a great job today."

East Carolina Head Coach Mike Houston

"There's not a whole lot to say. Kids fought their tails off. They inspire me with the way they play. Our preparation coming into this game, we were very confident this morning. I know nobody outside of Greenville gave us much of a chance, but those kids never doubted. We should have won the ballgame. We outplayed them. We dominated them physically in the second half. I just hurt for those kids in that locker room right now. They've brought this program from the depths back to what it was today. That stadium today was incredible. Our fan base is incredible, and we all deserve to have a win today. I'm just sorry we're not sitting here celebrating one."

Notable North Carolinians

Thayer Thomas (Heritage) – the graduate wide receiver had four catches for fifty-eight yards and a touchdown

Jaylon Scott (Shelby) – the junior linebacker had eight tackles, including five solo stops

Holton Ahlers (Conley) – the senior quarterback completed 24 of 40 attempts for 255 yards with two touchdowns

Next Week

NC State (1-0) hosts Charleston Southern in their home debut at Carter-Finley Stadium while East Carolina (0-1) hosts Old Dominion (1-0), who is fresh off a Power 5 upset of Virginia Tech.

“As the University embarks upon an overall campus master planning process, the athletics master vision will be a key component of it,” said Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber. “This ambitious plan is reflective of the upward trajectory of UNC Charlotte's athletics program which is, for many of our constituents, the 'front porch' of the University. We are committed to providing an experience for our students, alumni, and fans that mirrors the excellence embodied throughout UNC Charlotte - in our academics, research, community engagement, and every other facet of what we do.”

While the vision offers a 12-15 year look at what the future holds for all 49ers campus facilities, Charlotte is currently focused on the $102 million Phase I, which features the first expansion of Jerry Richardson Stadium, a design already underway for a new softball clubhouse and recently completed upgrades to the football locker room. Phase I also includes the construction of a new stadium to be shared by men’s and women’s soccer and the newly announced women’s lacrosse program, a clubhouse for the baseball program, and men's and women's basketball locker room renovations.   

“This is a vision of what we intend to become,” said Mike Hill, director of athletics. “We have aspirations to achieve greatness and further elevate the visibility and profile of our University. As we take the next step in our growth by joining the American Athletic Conference, our competition gets tougher against more established programs, so it is imperative that we provide our coaches and student-athletes with the resources necessary to compete for championships. Our fans deserve the very best experience when they come to support their beloved Niners.”  

Projects identified in Phase I, for which fundraising efforts have begun, are critical to the 49ers' transition to the American Athletic Conference and the addition of their 19th sport, women’s lacrosse.

“This initiative is a tangible reflection of Charlotte’s commitment to competition in the American Athletic Conference and at the highest level of Division I athletics,” said American Athletic Conference Commissioner Mike Aresco. “It aligns with the shared vision of our conference membership and the sustained progress that has defined The American since our inception. I applaud Chancellor Sharon Gaber, Athletic Director Mike Hill and all those who strongly support this great university as its commitment to excellence continues. The University leadership’s foresight, acumen and dynamic approach have made this vision a reality that will be transformative for the University and its athletics program.”

The EverGreen Master Vision is led by nationally renowned HOK, a global design, architecture, engineering and planning firm, and Jenkins-Peer Architects, a highly regarded and award-winning local firm. HOK has nationwide experience in the athletic construction field, while Jenkins-Peer designed Jerry Richardson Stadium and the Judy W. Rose Football Center as well as other projects on campus, including the University Recreation Center. 

The process included input from coaches, student-athletes, athletics staff, supporters, and university and athletic administrators. Originally, the plan was to be finalized in spring 2020; however, due to the pandemic, it was temporarily paused and subsequently modified.          

“The American invited us to join because of the incredible trajectory of our athletics program, university, and city,” Hill added. “Our ability to clearly articulate this vision, including expansion of the football stadium, was certainly a factor. To achieve our goals, we will need to galvanize the resources of our amazing city and university. We can do this together.”

PHASE I PROJECTS UNDERWAY OR COMPLETE:

BOB DAUGHTRIDGE SOFTBALL CLUBHOUSE

Adjacent to the Lewis Family Softball Training Facility behind the first baseline, the softball clubhouse will serve as the new home for 49ers softball, including locker room and team meeting space, coaches’ offices and a training room. Softball’s departure from the Wells Fargo Fieldhouse allows for future expansion of women’s sports within that facility.

JUDY W. ROSE FOOTBALL CENTER LOCKER ROOM

New lockers maximize space for the football team and provide enhanced technology and equipment storage for over 100 student-athletes. 

UPCOMING PHASE I PROJECTS:

JERRY RICHARDSON STADIUM EXPANSION

The first expansion of Jerry Richardson Stadium will provide additional access to 49ers games and significantly upgrade the fan experience by offering club seating, loge boxes, hospitality suites, an outdoor terrace, and a mezzanine club as well as the traditional press suite level. The initial stages of this project will push the capacity over 21,000 while the ultimate objective of Phase I is to accommodate over 30,000 fans.

MEN'S AND WOMEN'S BASKETBALL LOCKER ROOMS ENHANCEMENTS

Locker rooms for both the 49ers' men's and women's basketball programs will undergo substantial renovations to allow for a heightened student-athlete experience. The new layouts will create more space and seating as well as player lounges and meeting space.

SOCCER/LACROSSE STADIUM

Phase I calls for the relocation of the playing venue for the Charlotte 49ers' men's and women's soccer programs, which will return the programs to their playing site prior to the construction of Irwin Belk Track and Field Center/Transamerica Field in 1996. The soccer and lacrosse stadium will provide a spectacular new home for the 49ers' national-caliber men’s and women’s soccer programs as well as the program’s newest sport, women’s lacrosse. The stadium will offer excellent fan amenities while bringing Niner Nation up close to on-field action. Until its completion, the lacrosse program will play home games at Jerry Richardson Stadium.

BARNHARDT-HALTON BASEBALL CLUBHOUSE

To move baseball operations entirely to Robert and Mariam Hayes Stadium, a new clubhouse will feature coaches' offices, locker rooms, training room and team spaces. The baseball clubhouse will sit on the right field line between the grandstand and indoor facility and will feature a terrace for fans to congregate and watch games. In addition, baseball vacating the Wells Fargo Fieldhouse will create a home for the women’s lacrosse team.

FUTURE PROJECTS

Additional Phases of EverGreen will include construction of and expansion and renovations to other athletics facilities that will impact each and every one of the 49ers’ programs. Those projects include: Basketball Practice Facility and Student-Athlete Enhancement Center, Irwin Belk Track and Field Center enhancements, Dale F. Halton Arena enhancements, Indoor Football Practice Facility, Sue M. Daughtridge Stadium expansion, a new Wells Fargo Fieldhouse, Halton-Wagner Tennis Complex Indoor Facility, and Robert & Mariam Hayes Stadium expansion.