UNC takes on Charlotte 49ers for the First Time
by Sharon Thorsland
North Carolina survived its season opener last week, beating Minnesota in a nail biter. But the Tar Heels lost starting quarterback Max Johnson to a season-ending broken leg. So Conner Harrell will make his second career start on Saturday when the Heels take on in-state rival Charlotte for the first time in program history. The 49ers have several key players out with injuries and lost to James Madison 30-7 in their season opener. Kick-off is set for 3:30 in Chapel Hill.
The 49ers are in their second season under coach Biff Poggi, and are looking to bounce back from a 3-9 campaign last year. The offense struggled to score points, so Poggi brought in a ton of transfers, including former Florida backup quarterback Max Brown. The junior threw for 193 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions against JMU. His top targets are 6’4 Sean Brown and 6’5 Isaiah Meyers, who combined for 115 yards. UNC fans might recognize receiver Justin Olson, who played four years with the Tar Heels before transferring. The 49ers also boast a pair of excellent tight ends in Colin Weber and Bryce Kennon, they combined for 570 yards last season.
The 49ers want to run the football, and they’ve got a pair of good backs in Iowa State transfer Cartevious Norton and sophomore Terron Kellon, who had a 41-yard scamper last week. And keep an eye out for Henry Rutledge. The Charlotte native is one of the best return specialists in the AAC and returned a punt for a touchdown last season.
Defensively the 49ers struggle to stop the run last season and that trend continued against JMU last week as they gave up 194 yards on the ground. They’ll face a huge test in UNC star running back Omarion Hampton, who rushed for over 1500 yards last season. Linebacker Reid Williford leads the team in tackles. Two more former Tar Heel start for the 49ers secondary, cornerback Dontae Balfour and safety Ja’Qurious Conley. They’re joined by safety Derrick Edwards, who spent three seasons with Louisville.
The Tar Heels are heavy favorites in this one, even though the 49ers did pull of the upset of Duke a few years ago. With injuries to so many key players, the 49ers should have a hard time repeating that feat though. UNC should roll in this one. Go Tar Heels!