3 takeaways from Charlotte’s winless non-conference slate

MATT LACZKO | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Charlotte 49ers running back Khamani Alexander has shouldered more of the rushing load with Chance Williams' dismissal from the program.

Another week, another Charlotte 49ers loss.

Charlotte (0-4) lost 34-7 at home against Louisiana in a game where the only points scored by the 49ers were a defensive scoop and score.  

Charlotte has scored just two offensive touchdowns in the last three games, and turnovers and gifting short field have led to points being scored against them. 

Here are three takeaways from the 49ers non-conference slate:

1. Quarterback play must be better

Does it start with a change behind center? 

Maybe.

Starter Cole Gonzales has not been good since the season opener. There is no other way to say it. 

Against Ole Miss, he threw for 128 yards, no touchdowns and an interception. Against Appalachian State it was 211 yards and two interceptions. Against Louisiana it was 68 yards and an interception. Gonzalez has three touchdowns to six interceptions. 

Charlotte coach Tim Albin didn’t answer the question directly when asked about his confidence in Gonzales moving forward. 

“It is not all Cole’s [fault],” Albin said. “It’s just not. I know Cole and he is a competitor. He wants the ball in his hands every play. So, as a staff, we are going to have to talk through that. The thing with Cole is we just can’t turn the ball over. He missed high on the one today, and so that’s where it’s at but he’s going to come to work and help this team win football games.” 

Albin rolled out Conner Harrell in the fourth quarter and while he wasn’t stellar, he went 8-for-13 and 43 yards when the Ragin’ Cajuns were bringing a blitz practically every snap. 
So, there is a legitimate quarterback question in University City, but Albin seems set on Gonzales for now. 

The Charlotte 49ers closed their non-conference schedule 0-4 and staring into a difficult eight-game American Conference slate.

2. Where did the run game go?

In the first two weeks, Charlotte had 216 yards and 143 yards rushing respectively. In the next two weeks, the 49ers have combined for 62 yards. 

After the loss to Ole Miss, running back Chance Williams was dismissed from the program and the 49ers have struggled on the ground since. 

“I don’t think so,” Albin said. “I think that the room is very capable. Khamani Alexander is playing at a very high level … I like where he is at. So, I say no, because, again, the room is capable. We have guys in there that can get some things done, but we’ve got to help them.”

Alexander had five carries for 8 yards against Louisiana. 

Henry Rutledge has seen more touches since Williams’ dismissal but against Louisiana he rushed three times early for 14 yards but didn’t get a carry afterward. Albin said he was unsure as to why and he didn’t think it was injury related. 

“I don’t know if it was an injury, I don’t think so,” Albin said. “But, at this time, I don’t have that information.”

3. Playcalling has been disappointing  

To be cordial, the offense is perplexing. 

On numerous third-and-distance plays, most pass routes were underneath or short of the line to gain and against press coverage. Even if the passes are completed, the separation isn’t there for the receiver to make a play to gain the yardage needed.

On fourth and inches against Louisiana, Charlotte ran the ball and was stopped short. The play was blown dead due to a play clock error, but they lined up again and ran the same exact play. 
Offensive coordinator Todd Fitch must figure something out as the 49ers start American Conference play. Albin, though, took the blame.

“The calls like last week we threw it out of our own end zone, [Fitch] didn't call, I called that,” he said. “He didn't call the reverse, I called it. And so tonight was a tough environment because we were behind the chains. … We have to find out what our identity is and take care of the football.”

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