Memphis blasts Charlotte 59-8 on 49ers homecoming

MATT LACZKO | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Khamani Alexander takes a handoff from Cole Gonzales in the Charlotte 49ers' 59-8 loss to Memphis Oct. 3, 2026, at Jerry Richardson Stadium. The loss was Charlotte's (0-5, 0-1 American) 14th straight.

Times are tough in University City.

The Charlotte 49ers (0-5, 0-1 American) were blown out 59-8 on homecoming Saturday by the Memphis Tigers (4-1, 1-0). This loss is the Charlotte’s 14th straight and drops coach Tim Albin to 1-16 as head coach.

The 49ers have not won a homecoming game since 2021 and the prior two head coaches – Will Healy and Biff Poggi – were fired after bad homecoming losses. 

“It’s my responsibility to get it fixed, end of story,” Albin said. “I can delegate some authority and do things like that, but… it’s my job to get us across the finish line and the most glaring thing is the turnover piece. I don’t think it’s the effort.”

Offensively, the 49ers still can’t bust a grape. For the third time in five games, Charlotte failed to score in double figures. Albin said at the midweek press conference that there would not be a change at play caller, leaving offensive coordinator Todd Fitch with that responsibility. He doubled down after the loss to Memphis.

“It’s the same as it is,” Albin said. “Again, I’ve got my hands all over it. I’m more involved with the offense, and again, I approve the plan, and Todd calls it. I interject between series and things I like, and that’s really all I can say to it.”

The midweek two-deep roster listed Conner Harrell as a possible option at quarterback along with Cole Gonzales. Harrell was in street clothes. 

“He’s had a lower body issue and was not able to practice this week,” Albin said. I say that he tried to go, probably Thursday. He just wasn’t [able to]. [The injury] didn’t turn the corner, so he just wasn't ready to go.” 

Fourteen consecutive losses can weigh on a program. Albin emphasized that he had no concerns about the possibility of losing the locker room.

“We win and lose as a football team, and again, like I said, it falls on my shoulders,” he said. “I accept it and challenge our team captains and unity council. We have to stick together, and they’re a great group. I thanked both of those units prior to the game because the guys worked their tails off. I have to get them in a better position on some things. But I'm not, not for one second am I worried about losing that locker room. Not one second.”

Running back Henry Rutledge was one of the few bright spots against Memphis with six carries for 111 yards and a 75-yard touchdown to open the second half. He said the run blocking was much improved this week and allowed for him to have a good day.

“It was just good blocking,” Rutledge said about his long run. “I just went on the edge, and like there was no one there, so I just took off. And credit to the O line, like they were really moving people today, and they were making room for the running backs to run.”

Rutledge added to Albin’s point about team morale.

“We got the team captains, we had a talk after he spoke after the game, and the goal is we’re not going to lose the locker room,” he said. “We have to stay together as a team because we’re really close. We just have to turn the edge and not fall apart.”

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