Stuck in neutral: Charlotte lacks rhythm against App State

TROY HULL | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Charlotte quarterback Conner Harrell completed 13-of-24 passes for 142 yards, a touchdown and interception in the 49ers' 34-11 loss to Appalachian State in the Duke's Mayo Classic Friday.

That was rough.

Stagnant offense led to a gassed defense, which ended in Charlotte’s 34-11 loss against Appalachian State in the Duke Mayo Classic. After the first quarter, the 49ers couldn’t sustain drives, which correlated with a tired defense.

“Offensively we had no rhythm,” Charlotte coach Tim Albin said. “We had through I believe three quarters, nine series. I think on four or five of those we started with a penalty on the first play of the drive. We didn’t overcome [penalties] in any of the four or five drives, so we were off schedule, we struggled, and we just couldn’t get in any sort of flow.”

The 49ers held Appalachian State scoreless in the first quarter punctuated by a great hustle play by Charlotte defensive back Ja’Qurious Conley. He tracked down Mountaineers receiver Jaden Barnes and punched the ball out just before he crossed the goal line for a touchback and 49ers possession. 

“It was obviously a very impressive play,” Albin said. “[Barnes] made a very acrobatic catch to field the ball, but [Conley] didn’t quit on it. They do drill work in practice on stripping the ball from behind and he was able to fall on the ball. It was a big turning point.”

When Charlotte’s offense was able to sustain drives it was in large part due to the ground attack. C.J. Stokes, the primary running back, finished with 15 carries for 49 yards, but Albin said overall the run game wasn’t very good. Running back Henry Rutledge, who is expected to share carries this season, did not play as he recovers from injury.

TROY HULL | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Charlotte football coach Tim Albin lost his 49ers' debut against Appalachian State in the Duke's Mayo Classic. Next up is  North Carolina on Sept. 6 at Jerry Richardson Stadium.

“He’s got a lower body injury,” Albin said. “He’s eligible and he was cleared to play, but he just hasn’t practiced. We’ve got to get him where he is practicing again so he can contribute.”
49ers’ quarterback Conner Harrell was shaky, connecting on 13-of-24 passes for 142 yards, a touchdown and interception. He left for a series in the second half due to cramping. Backup Grayson Loftis went 0-for-1 in relief.

“[Harrell] said he was fine,” Albin said. “He showed some grit and toughness. He battled and didn’t want to leave the game. We’ve got to get some guys around him that can help him and the run game wasn’t very good today. It is not fun to play quarterback when you don’t have a run game. It is not fun to call the plays when the run game struggles. I think we averaged less than 4 yards a carry if I saw [the stats] right.”

Charlotte gained 76 yards on 29 carries – an average of 2.6 yards per attempt.

The 49ers were unable to generate pressure on Appalachian State quarterbacks, who threw for 404 yards. Charlotte usually dropped defenders into coverage and Mountaineers quarterback A.J. Swann was able to sit in the pocket and pick them apart. He finished 31-of-46 for 368 yards and three touchdowns. 

For Charlotte it is time to rinse and not repeat with a tougher test coming to Jerry Richardson Stadium next week in the North Carolina Tar Heels. 

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