Coaching staff

Position key

Recruiting classes

Charlotte's first recruiting class was signed in 2012. The entire first recruiting class was red-shirted, as the 49ers would not play until the 2013 season.

US college sports recruiting information for 2012 recruits
Name	Hometown	High school / college	Height	Weight	40‡	Commit date
Brandon Banks DE	High Point, NC	Southwaest Guilford	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	230 lb (100 kg)	4.7	Dec 12, 2011
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A
Alan Barnwell RB	Burlington, NC	Cummings	5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)	175 lb (79 kg)	-	May 16, 2012
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Jarred Barr OL	Monroe, NC	Sun Valley	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	270 lb (120 kg)	-	Jan 30, 2012
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A
Justin Bolus Athlete	James Island, SC	James Island School	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	205 lb (93 kg)	-	Dec 7, 2201
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A
Terry Caldwell LB	Wilmington, NC	Hoggard	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)	200 lb (91 kg)	-	Dec 12, 2011
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A
Jaquil Capel Athlete	Mount Gilead, NC	West Montgomery	5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)	180 lb (82 kg)	-	Feb 1, 2012
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A
Jamal Covington OL	Hampton, GA	Lovejoy	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	270 lb (120 kg)	-	Jan 15, 2012
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A
Greg Cunningham DB	Charlotte, NC	West Charlotte	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	177 lb (80 kg)	-	May 16, 2012
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Austin Duke WR	Charlotte, NC	Independence	5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)	155 lb (70 kg)	-	Jan 30, 2012
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A
Jalen Holt Athlete	Norwood, NC	South Stanly	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	220 lb (100 kg)	4.6	Jan 12, 2012
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A
Matt Johnson QB	Maiden, NC	Maiden	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	210 lb (95 kg)	4.7	Oct 6, 2011
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A
Thomas LaBianca OL	Indian Trail, NC	Porter Ridge	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	282 lb (128 kg)	-	Dec 24, 2011
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A
Rick Legrant LB	Buford, GA	Buford	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)	205 lb (93 kg)	-	Nov 28, 2011
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A
James Middleton DE	St. Stephen, SC	Timberland	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	240 lb (110 kg)	4.8	Feb 1, 2012
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A
Karsten Miller QB	Lexington, NC	North Davidson	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	195 lb (88 kg)	-	Nov 9, 2011
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A
Tank Norman DB	Richlands, NC	North Davidson	5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)	180 lb (82 kg)	-	Dec 12, 2011
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A
Larry Ogunjobi DT	Greensboro, NC	Ragsdale	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	267 lb (121 kg)	-	Dec 12, 2011
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A
Casey Perry OL	Durham, NC	Hillsdale	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	295 lb (134 kg)	-	Jan 21, 2012
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A
Mark Pettit LB	Greensboro, NC	Western Guilford	6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)	235 lb (107 kg)	-	Dec 12, 2011
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A
Mason Sledge OL	Monroe, NC	Monroe	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	250 lb (110 kg)	-	Nov 29, 2011
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A
Will Thomas Athlete	Hampstead, NC	Topsail Senior	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)	165 lb (75 kg)	4.6	Dec 29, 2011
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A
Overall recruiting rankings:
Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight. In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale. Sources: "2012 Team Ranking". Rivals.com.

The following recruits signed their letters of intent with the Charlotte 49ers football program for the 2013 recruiting year.

US college sports recruiting information for 2013 recruits
Name	Hometown	High school / college	Height	Weight	40‡	Commit date
Trent Bostick WR	Rockingham, NC	Richmond County	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	193 lb (88 kg)	-	Dec 28, 2012
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A
Blake Brewer K	Concord, NC	Cannon School	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	190 lb (86 kg)	-	Dec 10, 2012
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A
Justin Bridges-Thompson DB	Spartanburg, SC	Spartanburg	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	195 lb (88 kg)	4.8	Sep 10, 2012
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:
Nick Carroll DT	Raleigh, NC	Cardinal Gibbons	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	236 lb (107 kg)	5.3	Feb 5, 2013
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A
Caleb Clayton-Mobly LB	Milledgeville, GA	Georgia Military College	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	230 lb (100 kg)	4.8	Dec 10, 2012
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A
Nolan Corpening DB	Charlotte, NC	Zebulon B. Vance	5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)	170 lb (77 kg)	4.5	Jan 13, 2013
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A
Dustin Crouser LB	Charleston, WV	George Washington School	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	220 lb (100 kg)	-	Aug 27, 2012
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A
Chris Duffy Athlete	Indian Trail, NC	Porter Ridge	5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)	190 lb (86 kg)	-	Sep 5, 2012
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals:   247Sports:
Eugene German OL	Martinsburg, WV	Martinsburg	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	250 lb (110 kg)	5.3	Jul 21, 2013
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A
Nicholas Halmon DB	Bamberg, SC	Bamberg-Ehrhardt	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)	180 lb (82 kg)	4.6	Aug 7, 2013
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A
Devon Johnson DE	Milledgeville, GA	Georgia Military College	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	265 lb (120 kg)	-	Feb 5, 2013
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Tevin Lawshe OL	Charlotte, NC	Mallard Creek	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	275 lb (125 kg)	5.3	Aug 20, 2013
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A
Devin Pearson DE	Rock Hill, SC	South Pointe	5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)	185 lb (84 kg)	-	Dec 10, 2012
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A
Kalif Phillips RB	Kannapolis, NC	AL Brown	5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)	185 lb (84 kg)	-	Dec 6, 2012
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A
Jordan Starnes LB	Norwood, NC	South Stanly	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	224 lb (102 kg)	4.8	Dec 6, 2012
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A
Jachin Watkins RB	New Bern, NC	New Burn	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)	215 lb (98 kg)	4.7	Jun 26, 2012
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A
James Williams DB	Huntington Beach, CA	Golden West CC	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)	175 lb (79 kg)	-	Dec 10, 2012
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Jamar Winston DE	Irmo, SC	Dutch Folk	6 ft 8 in (2.03 m)	240 lb (110 kg)	4.9	Aug 21, 2012
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A
Wolfgang Zacherl DT	Raleigh, NC	Broughton	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	272 lb (123 kg)	5.4	Jan 23, 2013
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A
Overall recruiting rankings:
Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight. In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale. Sources: "2013 Team Ranking". Rivals.com.

Player notes

Starting redshirt freshman quarterback Matt Johnson of Maiden, North Carolina was named to the Jerry Rice Award Watch List.^[4]

Player gameday honors

Roster

2013 Charlotte 49ers football team roster
Players			Coaches
Offense Pos. # Name Class WR 2 Will Thomas RFr WR 4 Corey Nesmith Jr. RFr QB 5 Lee McNeill RFr QB 8 Matt Johnson RFr WR 9 Jamel Ross  RFr WR 10 Austin Duke RFr H-Back 12 C.J. Crawford RSr H-Back 15 Justin Bolus RFr QB 16 Danny Karrs  Fr H-Back 17 Joc Watkins  Fr WR 18 Mikel Hunter RSr QB 19 Patrick O'Brien RSo RB 22 Donjore Gainey RFr RB 24 Alan Barnwell RFr RB 25 Kalif Phillips Fr RB 30 Quintin Gay RJr RB 32 Damarrell Alexander RSo WR 35 Steve Hodgson  Fr H-Back 47 Mark Montini RJr G 50 Jarred Barr RFr OL 53 Eric Herkley So C 55 Mason Sledge RFr C 60 Cody Brown RFr OL 61 Zach Thomas RSo OL 63 Cameron Curlings RFr OL 64 Thomas Frazier RSo OL 66 Joe Wolljung RFr OL 67 Mitch Monska RFr OL 68 Daniel Book RSo OT 70 Casey Perry RFr OL 71 Zach Bumgarner RFr G 72 Tevin Lawshe  Fr OT 73 Jamal Covington RFr G 74 Thomas LaBianca RFr OT 75 Eugene German Fr OT 76 Daniel Blitch RJr OT 77 Wolfgang Zacherl Fr OT 78 Kyle Hoffman RFr OT 79 Jeff Walker  Fr WR 80 Reggie Woods  Fr WR 81 Trent Bostick Fr H-Back 82 Jason Eury RFr WR 83 Emmitt Afam  Fr WR 84 Darris Smalls RFr WR 85 Luke Sonricker RJr WR 86 Zach Ferguson RFr WR 87 E.J. Rhinehart RFr WR 88 Demarjai Devine Jr H-Back 89 Elijah Roberson RFr H-Back 90 Peter Fields RSo	Defense Pos. # Name Class SS 3 Kariym Gent RFr LB 6 Terry Caldwell RFr LB 7 Jalen Holt RFr LB 9 Mark Hogan RSr LB 11 Mark Pettit RFr FS 13 Desmond Cooper RJr DE 14 Tank Norman RFr SS 20 Martay Mattox Jr FS 21 Prince Mayela RFr FS 23 Daquan Lucas RFr CB 26 Cortezz Nixon RSo CB 27 Terrance Winchester RFr DE 28 Greg Cunningham Jr. RFr LB 29 Micah Bryan RJr SS 31 Alex Petzke RSr LB 34 Nico Alcalde RFr SS 36 Nick Halmon  Fr FS 37 Sam Dexter RFr LB 38 Zeb Little RSr CB 40 Ardy Holmes RSo FS 41 Jordan Abrams RFr LB 42 Caleb Clayton-Mobly Jr LB 43 Tyler DeStefani RJr LB 44 Kendal Parker RFr CB 45 Devin Pearson Fr LB 46 DaQuavius Reid RFr DE 50 Karrington King  Fr LB 51 Robert Williams RSo LB 52 Brandon Rodriguez RFr LB 54 Jordan Starnes  Fr DE 56 Fletcher O'Neil  RSo LB 57 Justin Bridges-Thompson Fr LB 58 Dustin Crouser  Fr DE 59 Payton Thomson RFr NT 65 Larry Ogunjobi RFr DE 91 Nick Carroll  Fr DE 92 James Middleton RFr NT 93 Hayden Beck RFr DE 94 Kyle Taylor RFr DE 95 Devin Clegg RFr DE 96 Devon Johnson  Jr NT 97 Tanner Flemming RFr DE 98 Josh Tann  RSo DE 99 Brandon Banks RFr	Special teams Pos. # Name Class P 33 Brandon Strupp RSr LS 48 Keaston Sinicki Fr K 62 Hayden Pezzoni RFr K 69 Stephen Muscarello RFr K 86 Blake Brewer Fr P 97 Garrett Stuart RFr	Head coach Brad Lambert (Kansas State) Coordinators/assistant coaches Jeff Mullen (Wittenberg) Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks Bruce Tall (Ohio Wesleyan) Defensive coordinator Phil Ratliff (Marshall) Recruiting coordinator/offensive line Damien Gary (Georgia) Running backs Johnson Richardson (Wofford) Tight ends Joe Tereshinski III (Georgia) Wide receivers James Adams (Wake Forest) Secondary Drew Dayton (Wake Forest) Inside linebackers John Russell, Jr. (Wake Forest) Secondary Napoleon Sykes (Wake Forest) Outside linebackers [6] Legend (C) Team captain (S) Suspended (I) Ineligible Injured Redshirt Roster Last update: April 12, 2015

Depth chart

Campbell Fighting Camels

To open their inaugural season, Charlotte faced the Campbell Fighting Camels. Charlotte dominated the game, winning 52–7.

Charlotte opened the scoring in the first quarter when Mark Hogan returned an interception 32 yards for a touchdown, marking the first points in Charlotte 49ers football's history. Justin Bolus scored the 49ers' first offensive touchdown on a 1-yard pass from Matt Johnson. That was followed by the 49ers' first two-point conversion on a rush by C. J. Crawford. Austin Duke caught another touchdown pass from Matt Johnson followed by the first of Blake Brewer's four successful point-after attempts that day, to close out the first quarter.

Brewer opened the second quarter scoring on the 49ers' first three-point kick from 35 yards out. Kalif Phillips added to the 49ers' point total with a 15-yard touchdown run. Campbell scored their only points of the day on a 1-yard touchdown run by Dakota Wolf, and a successful point-after kick by Alex Biby. Charlotte ended the first half by scoring on a 20-yard Blake Brewer kick with no time left on the clock. Charlotte led Campbell at the half, 35–7.

Charlotte received the ball to open the second half and concluded the opening drive on Blake Brewer's third and final three-point conversion of the day, a successful 40-yard field goal. Trent Bostick closed the third-quarter scoring with a 47-yard passing touchdown from Matt Johnson.

The fourth quarter featured only one scoring drive, as Corey Nesmith Jr. ran in a 33-yard touchdown.^[18]

Top performers for the game included Charlotte quarterback Matt Johnson, who passed for 282 yards and 3 touchdowns. Charlotte running back Kalif Phillips had 9 carries for 66 yards and a touchdown. Charlotte receiver Trent Bostick had 4 receptions for 83 yards and a touchdown.

Game notes:

• First game in program history
• First game in the newly opened Jerry Richardson Stadium
• First game against an FCS opponent
• First win in program history

(DII) Chowan Hawks

In their second home game Charlotte faced the Chowan Hawks. Charlotte got their second victory in dominating fashion, winning 47–7.

Charlotte opened the scoring in the first half on an Austin Duke 10-yard touchdown reception from Matt Johnson. Charlotte scored the first safety in program history late in the first quarter. Blake Brewer added a 27-yard field goal, followed by a Kalif Phillips 40-yard touchdown reception from Matt Johnson to end the first-quarter scoring.

Chowan opened the second quarter scoring with a 35-yard touchdown reception for Antjuan Randall off a pass from Cameron Stover for Chowan's only points of the day. On the subsequent kickoff return Mikel Hunter returned the kick 96 yards for a touchdown, marking the longest scoring play in Charlotte's program history and ending the first-half scoring with Charlotte having a 26–7 lead.

Trent Bostick opened the third-quarter scoring with a 30-yard passing touchdown from Matt Johnson. Austin Duke closed the quarter with a 7-yard touchdown reception from Johnson as well.

The fourth quarter featured only one scoring drive, as Corey Nesmith Jr. caught in a 10-yard touchdown pass from Johnson, marking Matt Johnson's fifth touchdown pass of the day.^[21]

Top performers for the game once again included Charlotte Quarterback Matt Johnson, who passed for 256 yards and 5 touchdowns. Charlotte Running Back Alan Barnwell had 14 carries for 80 yards. Charlotte Receiver Austin Duke had 7 receptions for 83 yards and two touchdowns.^[20]

Game notes:

• First game against a Division II program.

NCCU Eagles

In their third home game Charlotte faced the NC Central Eagles. Charlotte suffered the first loss in program history as well as their first ever home loss, defeated soundly by the Eagles, 40–13

NC Central opened the scoring in the first half on two Oleg Parent field goals, the first from 39 yards and the second from 20 yards.

NC Central scored the first touchdown of the game late in the second quarter on a Deyonta Wright 4-yard run. NC Central took a 13–0 lead into halftime, holding the Charlotte 49ers to their first scoreless half of play.

Central took the opening second-half kickoff in on Adrian Wilkins 100-yard kickoff return. Midway through the third quarter a Tony Williams IV 48-yard interception of a Matt Johnson pass was returned for another Central touchdown. Idreis Augustus added a late third quarter score on a 2-yard run, holding the 49ers pointless going into the final quarter of play.

The 49ers avoided their first shutout after an Alan Barnwell 2-yard run gave them their first score of the game. Central responded on an Idreis Augustus 5-yard run. On the final play of the game the 49ers scored their second touchdown on a Lee McNeill 10-yard run.^[22]

Despite his 5 interceptions thrown in the game, Charlotte quarterback Matt Johnson passed for over 335 yards, setting a new personal best. NC Central running back Idreis Augustus had 16 carries for 80 yards and 2 touchdowns. Charlotte receiver Austin Duke had 7 receptions for 97.^[23]

Game notes:

• First game against a scholarship FCS opponent
• First loss in program history

#15 James Madison Dukes

James Madison was a late addition to the Charlotte 49ers' 2013 football schedule. Originally Charlotte had been scheduled to play future C-USA opponent ODU in 2013 and 2014. ODU, having secured a game against Vanderbilt during the summer, dropped the return game at Charlotte in 2014. Needing a short notice replacement home game for the next season, Charlotte reached out to JMU. JMU agreed to add an away game against Charlotte in 2014 in exchange for a home game in 2013. Subsequently, Charlotte dropped the ODU game in 2013 and replaced them with the game at JMU.^[25]

This was not only the first away game in Charlotte 49ers football history, but also the first night game and the first road loss. In addition, James Madison was ranked 15th in the Week 3 FCS polls at the time, making them Charlotte's first ranked opponent.

Charlotte recovered a JMU fumble on the opening kickoff, which set up a touchdown two plays later as Matt Johnson ran it in from 8 yards out. This early lead proved to be Charlotte's only scoring drive of the game. JMU answered on a 13-play scoring drive that concluded with a Dae'Quan Scott 9-yard rushing touchdown. Charlotte's next drive included 12 plays and got the 49ers to the JMU 1 yard line, but Charlotte turned the ball over on downs after being unable to break the plane of the goal line. JMU's next drive ended in a score as Dea'Quan Scott ran the ball in from 20 yards out for his second touchdown of the quarter.

The only score of the second quarter was a Michael Birdsong 37-yard pass to Quinton Hunter for a touchdown. Charlotte attempted a 58-yard field goal at the end of the half but missed. The halftime score was JMU up, 20–7.

The only score of the third quarter came on a Rashard Davis 36-yard rushing touchdown.

The final score of the game came in the fourth quarter as Khalid Abdullah ran in a touchdown from 2 yards out. The game ended in a JMU 34 to 7 victory.^[24]

Top performers for the game were all from JMU. Quarterback Michael Birdsong passed for 201 yards and 2 touchdowns, with only 1 interception. JMU running back Dae'Quan Scott had 35 carries for 176 yards and 2 touchdowns. JMU receiver Quinton Hunter had 3 receptions for 63 yards and a touchdown.^[26]

Game notes:

• First away game in program history.
• First away loss in program history.
• First night game in program history.
• First ranked opponent in program history.
• First rain game in program history.
• First out of state game in program history.
• First game in program history played in Virginia.

Presbyterian Blue Hose

Charlotte returned to their previous high-scoring ways on their second road game in program history. Presbyterian was the first of Charlotte's four games of the season against Big South Conference opponents. This would mark Charlotte's first ever away win. This would also be Charlotte's first nationally available game as part of ESPN3's broadcast package.

Presbyterian would score first on their second drive of the game. A Kaleb Griffin rushing touchdown from the 1-yard line. Charlotte would answer on the next drive with a Matt Johnson 3-yard scoring pass to Austin Duke for a touchdown. Presbyterian would take a 7-point lead into the second quarter after a Demarcus Wilson 1-yard rushing touchdown to close out the first quarter.

Kalif Phillips started a dominating Charlotte performance in the second quarter with a 1-yard rushing touchdown on the first drive of the quarter to tie the game. Charlotte would turn the ball over on an interception early in their next drive, but Presbyterian would be unable to convert the first down. Charlotte's next drive included 16 plays and resulted in an Alan Barnwell 1-yard touchdown to give Charlotte its first lead of the game. Charlotte would take a 14-point lead into the half after a Matt Johnson 53-yard pass to Mikel Hunter resulted in 7 more points. The halftime score was Charlotte up 28 to 14.

Charlotte continued their dominance into the second half as the 49ers ended their first drive of the half with a 23-yard Trent Bostick touchdown pass from Matt Johnson. Later in the half Kalif Phillips would get his second rushing touchdown of the day from 7 yards out.

Blake Brewer would add 3 points off a 30-yard field goal after the first Charlotte drive of the fourth quarter stalled. Presbyterian's next drive resulted in a Demarcus Rouse's second touchdown of the day from 2 yards out. Charlotte won the game 45 to 21.^[27]

Top performers for the game were Charlotte Quarterback Matt Johnson, who passed for 269 yards and 3 touchdowns, with only 1 interception. Presbyterian Running Back Demarcus Rouse had 18 carries for 79 yards and 2 touchdowns. Presbyterian Receiver Toby Antigha had 6 receptions for 100 yards.^[28]

Game Notes:

• First away victory.
• First game in program history played in South Carolina.

#24 Gardner-Webb Running Bulldogs

Charlotte returned home from its two-game road trip for Military Appreciation Day to face their second ranked opponent and second Big South team of the year, the one-loss Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs. Gardner-Webb would score first, completing a Jordan Day 22-yard field goal after a 15-play drive. Lucas Beatty would complete a 3-yard pass to Kenny Cook for the Bulldogs' first touchdown. Charlotte scored their first touchdown of the day on a Kalif Phillips 6-yard run. The Bulldogs closed the first-quarter scoring on another Lucas Beatty pass to Kenny Cook for a 20-yard touchdown.

The 49ers would open the second quarter with a touchdown drive that would be completed with a Matt Johnson 16-yard pass to C.J. Crawford. Gardner-Webb would respond on the next drive with a Lucas Beatty 3-yard touchdown pass to Earnest Harmon. Blake Brewer added 3 more 49ers' points on a 43-yard field goal. On the final 49ers' drive of the half Matt Johnson completed a 26-yard pass to Austin Duke to tie the game at the half, 24 all.

The Bulldogs broke the halftime tie on their first drive of the second half, with Lucas Beatty completing another touchdown pass to Earnest Harmon from the 1-yard line. Gardner-Webb dominated the third quarter, adding two more touchdowns. The second score of the quarter would come after Blake Brewer's 48-yard field goal attempt was blocked by Drew White and recovered by the Bulldogs. On the same play Charlotte was penalized twice for unsportsmanlike conduct. The result was a Juanne Blount 1-yard touchdown run on the next play. The third GWU touchdown of the quarter would come on their next drive. Richard Jules would complete a 27-yard pass to Mike Estes. Blake Brewer would miss a 39-yard field goal to close out the half, with Gardner-Webb having a lead, 45–24.

Charlotte's fortunes would turn around dramatically in the fourth quarter, starting with a Matt Johnson 5-yard touchdown pass to C.J. Crawford. After a 3-and-out series for the Bulldogs, the 49ers would block the punt return and GWU would down it in the end zone for a safety. Charlotte would score again on the next drive of the quarter, a Matt Johnson 21-yard touchdown pass to Austin Duke. After another Bulldog's 3-and-out, Charlotte kick returner Mikel Hunter would return the ball to Gardner-Webb's 48 yard line. On the next play Matt Johnson would complete a 48-yard touchdown pass to Trent Bostick. The result was the 49ers' third touchdown of the fourth quarter and their first lead of the day. The two-point conversion attempt to give the 49ers a 3-point lead failed. On Gardner-Webb's second play after getting the ball back the 49ers' Caleb Clayton-Moby would force GWU's Juanne Blount to fumble, leading to 49er Mark Hogan recovering the ball for Charlotte. On the very next play Alan Barnwell scored a 54-yard rushing touchdown to put the 49ers up by 8 points with 3 minutes left in the game.

With time running out, Gardner-Webb put together a 14-play drive that resulted in a Juanne Blount 1-yard rushing touchdown. The Bulldogs' attempted 2-point conversion to tie the game failed. Gardner-Webb attempted an on-sides kick recovery, but Charlotte recovered the ball for the come-from-behind victory, winning 53 to 51 and the first victory in program history over a ranked opponent.^[29]

Top performers for the game were Charlotte quarterback Matt Johnson, who passed for 342 yards and 5 touchdowns. Gardner-Webb running back Juanne Blount had 32 carries for 133 yards and 2 touchdowns. Gardner-Webb receiver Kenny Cook had 10 receptions for 132 yards and 2 touchdowns.^[30]

Game notes:

• First victory over a ranked opponent

#13 (DII) UNC Pembroke Braves

Charlotte would hold its first football Homecoming game against the #13 ranked team in DII, the senior laden UNC Pembroke Braves.^[33]

The Braves would take an early lead on their first drive of the game, scoring 7 points on a Rontonio Stanley 2-yard rushing touchdown. Charlotte would respond on the next drive, resulting in a Matt Johnson 2-yard touchdown pass to Mikel Hunter. The successful two-point conversion by Lee McNeill would give the 49ers a 1-point lead. Rontonio Stanley would score another 2-yard rushing touchdown to close out the first quarter scoring.

Pembroke would score the only points of the second quarter on a Luke Charles pass to Te’well Williams for 23 yards for a touchdown. The Braves would go into Halftime with a 21 to 8 lead.

Pembroke would complete the opening drive of the second half with Elliot Powell 5-yard rushing touchdown. On the Braves next drive Luke Charles would pass again to Te’well Williams for 23 yards for a touchdown. Connor Haskins would add 3 more points to Pembroke's total on a 46-yard field goal. The 49ers would end their scoring drought on the last drive of the third quarter when Matt Johnson would successfully complete a 4-yard pass to C.J. Crawford for a touchdown.

Pembroke would conclude its scoring campaign for the day on their first drive of the fourth quarter. Luke Charles would complete his third touchdown pass of the day, when he connected on an 8-yard touchdown pass to B.J. Bunn. The 49ers would score late in the half on a Matt Johnson 17-yard touchdown pass to C.J. Crawford. The game would end with the Braves upsetting the 49ers' inaugural football Homecoming Game, 45 to 22. ^[31]

Top performers for the game were Charlotte Quarterback Matt Johnson, who passed for 278 yards, 3 touchdowns and 1 interception. Charlotte Running Back Alan Barnwell had 9 carries for 49. Charlotte Receiver Austin Duke had 9 receptions for 128 yards.^[32]

Charlotte would enter its first of two bye weeks in the season with a 4 to 3 record.

Game Notes:

• Only loss to a Division II team in program history.

#24 Charleston Southern Buccaneers

Charlotte would face their third ranked opponent of the season, and their third Big South opponent in the Charleston Southern Buccaneers. The game was Charleston Southern's homecoming, and their on-the-field performance would reflect a desire to please the returning alumni.

Charlotte would strike first in the game with a Kalif Phillips' 7-yard rushing touchdown. On the next series Charleston Southern would miss a Mark Deboy 29-yard field goal to close out the first quarter.

The Buccaneers would find the end zone for the first time in the day on a Kyle Copeland 3-yard touchdown run. Copeland would also score the subsequent two-point conversion to give the Buccaneers a 1-point lead. Daniel Croghan III would complete a 39-yard pass to Kevin Glears for the final points of the half. Charleston Southern would lead at halftime, 15 to 7.

On their first drive of the second half, the Buccaneers would conclude with a Daniel Croghan 14-yard touchdown pass to Chris Theodore. Charlotte would respond on the next drive with 13 plays ending in a 14-yard Kalif Phillips rushing touchdown. The 49ers would end the half down only by 7 points.

Desmond Cooper would recover a Daniel Croghan fumble on Charlotte's 3-yard line to end a Charleston Southern drive. Two plays later Alan Barnwell would be tackled in the end zone by Caleb Batchelor for a safety. Charleston Southern would then attempt an onsides kick, by the 49ers would recover the ball. Charleston Southern would pad their lead with two late touchdowns. The first on a Kyle Copeland's third rushing touchdown of the day, this time from the 5-yard line. Zac Bumgardner would recover an Alan Barnwell fumble on Charlotte's Next play from scrimmage. Three plays later the Buccaneers would score the final points of the game on a Mike Holloway 5-yard rushing touchdown. The game would end in a Buccaneer home victory of 35 to 14, and the Charlotte 49ers' second road loss of the season.^[34]

Top performers for the game were Charleston Southern Quarterback Daniel Croghan III, who passed for 173 yards and 2 touchdowns. Charleston Southern Running Back Christian Reyes had 26 carries for 181 yards. Charlotte Receiver Trent Bostick had 5 receptions for 114 yards.^[35]

#3 Coastal Carolina Chanticleers

Charlotte would face their fourth and final ranked opponent of the season, and their fourth and final Big South opponent in the #3 ranked Coastal Carolina Chanticleers. The Chanticleers would be the 49ers' highest ranked opponent of the season. The game was Coastal Carolina's homecoming, making the third homecoming game in a row for the 49ers.

Lorrenzo Taliaferro would score the first points of the day on a 5-yard touchdown run on Coastal's second drive of the game. Charlotte would respond on a 16 play drive with a Blake Brewer 30-yard field goal. Coastal would add its second touchdown of the quarter on an Alex Ross 5-yard pass to Matt Hazel.

The 49ers would close the score to within 3 points on their first drive of the second quarter. Matt Johnson would score a 9-yard rushing touchdown followed by a successful Mark Pettit two-point conversion. Coastal would answer quickly on an Alex Ross 39-yard touchdown pass to DeMario Bennett. Coastal would later in the quarter go on a 20 play drive that ended in an Alex Catron 29-yard field goal. Charlotte would respond on the next drive with an Alan Barnwell 8-yard rushing touchdown to bring the score back to within 6 points. Taliaferro would tie the Big South Conference single season rushing touchdown record on a 3-yard run. Coastal would go to the half with a 30 to 18 lead.

De'Angelo Henderson would stretch Coastal's lead on the opening drive of the second half with a 2-yard rushing touchdown. Charlotte would get to the Coastal 19 yard line on the next series before LaDarius Hawthorne would intercept a Matt Johnson pass.

On the first drive of the fourth quarter Lorrenzo Taliaferro would score his final touchdown of the day from 4 yards out to set the Big South Conference single season rushing touchdown record. Brian Cass would add another 2-yard rushing touchdown to pad Coastal's substantial lead. Kalif Phillips would give the 49ers 2-yard rushing touchdown, but it would not be enough to overcome the point deficit. Coastal won the game 50 to 25.^[36]

Top performers for the game were Coastal Carolina Quarterback Alex Ross, who passed for 237 yards and 2 touchdowns. Coastal Carolina Running Back Lorenzo Taliaferro had 24 carries for 139 yards and 3 touchdowns. Charlotte Receiver Mikel Hunter had 5 receptions for 89 yards.^[37]

#20 (DIII) Wesley College Wolverines

Charlotte returned home on November 9 for their 6th and final home game of season against ranked DIII opponent Wesley College. It was also the inaugural football Senior Day for the 49ers. The Niners said good bye and thanks to six of the players from the inaugural team; Mark Hogan, C.J. Crawford, Brandon Strupp, Alex Petzke, Zeb Little and Mikel Hunter.

Wesley would strike first in the first half with a Joe Callahan 1-yard run for a touchdown. The Wolverines would hold the 49ers scoreless in the first quarter.

Wesley would strike first again midway through the second quarter when Joe Callahan would connect on a 2-yard pass to Kyle George for 7 more points after Jon Storck's successful Point-After attempt. Charlotte would finally find the endzone on the next series on a Kalif Phillips 12-yard rushing touchdown. The score at the half would be Wesley up 14 to 7 on the 49ers.

Charlotte would open the second half by recovering a forced fumble on the opening kickoff at the Wesley 22 yard line. They'd line up for a field goal attempt after gaining no yards on a 3-and-out series, but backup quarterback and place holder Lee McNeill would throw the snapped ball to Mark Pettit, who was waiting for it in the endzone for a touchdown. After Wesley went 3-and-out on their next series, Charlotte would gain the lead for the first time in the day off a Matt Johnson 3-yard touchdown pass to C.J. Crawford. Later in the quarter the Wolverines would tie the score again on a Rick Jackson 2-yard rushing touchdown.

Charlotte would score on the opening play of the fourth quarter on a Kalif Phillips 1-yard rushing touchdown. Three series later Joe Callahan would connect with Bryce Shade for a 17-yard passing touchdown to tie the score for the third time in the day. With 2 and a half minutes left on the clock Wesley would retake the lead on a Joe Callahan 1-yard rushing touchdown. Charlotte would put together a 12 play drive to get to the Wesley 28 yard line, but Charlotte Quarterback Matt Johnson would be unable to connect on three subsequent passing plays and would turn the ball over on downs. Wesley would then take a knee to win 35 to 28.^[38]

Top performers for the day would include Wesley Quarterback Joe Callahan, who passed for 317 yards and 2 touchdowns, with 2 interceptions. Charlotte Running Back Kaliff Phillips would rush for 93 yards and two touchdowns. Wesley Wide Receiver Kyle George would get 8 receptions for 143 yards and a touchdown.^[39]

Game Notes:

• First game against a Division III team in program history.
• Only loss to a Division III team in program history.

Morehead State Eagles

Following their second and final bye week of the 2013 season, Charlotte would end their inaugural season on the road facing the first opponent they ever scheduled, the Morehead State Eagles.

Morehead St. would score on their first drive of the game on a Brandon Bornhauser 1-yard touchdown run to take the early lead. On their third offensive series the 49ers would tie the game on a Matt Johnson 33-yard touchdown pass to senior receiver C.J. Crawford. On their next offensive series on the second play the 49ers would take the lead on a Kalif Phillips 50-yard rushing touchdown.

On the first play of the second quarter Charlotte rusher Alan Barnwell would extend the 49ers' lead on a break-away 70-yard touchdown run. The Eagles would put together an 11 play drive to get into 49ers' territory on the next series, but the 49ers' Caleb Clayton-Mobly would intercept a pass from Eagles quarterback Austin Gahafer and return it 70 yards for another 49ers' touchdown. On the 49ers' next series Kaliff Phillips would get his second rushing score of the day on a 4-yard touchdown score. Morehead St. would put together a 13 play series late in the half that ended in a Luke Boyd 35-yard field goal. On the ensuing kick return Charlotte returner Justin Bridges-Thompson would return the kick 64 yards to the Morehead St. 12 yard line. On the next play Kalif Phillips would get his third rushing touchdown on a 12-yard run. At the half Charlotte lead the Eagles 41 to 10.

After the high scoring second quarter, the third quarter would only yield one score. Morehead St. would attempt a 44-yard Luke Boyd field goal to end their first drive of the second half, but would miss. Charlotte would cap their final drive of the quarter on a Matt Johnson, 68 yard quarterback-keeper rushing touchdown.

The Eagles would find the end zone on their first series of the fourth quarter on an Austin Gahafer pass to Justin Cornwall for a 19-yard touchdown in the corner of the end zone. The 49ers would cap their next possession on a Blake Brewer 41-yard field goal. On their first play of the next series the 49ers' Kendal Parker forced Brandon Reeves of Morehead St. to fumble the ball, which resulted in Charlotte's Greg Cunningham Jr. recovering the ball for the 49ers. Their resulting next drive was capped by a Blake Brewer 40-yard field goal. After a Morehead St. four-and-out the 49ers scored the final points of the game on a Damarrell Alexander 51-yard rushing touchdown, to get the 49ers over the 60-point scoring threshold for the first time in program history. The final score was Charlotte 61 and Morehead State 17.^[40]

Top performers for the day were Charlotte quarterback Matt Johnson, who passed for 141 yards and ran in a touchdown. Charlotte running back Kaliff Phillips rushed for 86 yards and three touchdowns. Charlotte Wide receiver C.J. Crawford made 5 receptions for 68 yards and a touchdown.^[41]

Game notes:

First game in program history played in Kentucky.

Season records

Per-game records