Considering their sizeable disadvantage in the spread, the Charlotte 49ers can expect to have a real challenge on their hands on Saturday. Charlotte and the Middle Tenn. Blue Raiders will face off in a Conference USA battle at 3:30 p.m. ET at Johnny (Red) Floyd Stadium. Allowing an average of 42.8 points per game, the 49ers have been asleep on the defensive side of the ball and will need to wake up before the matchup.
Charlotte took a serious blow against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers last week, falling 59-7. Charlotte was in a tough position by the half, with the score already sitting at 35 to nothing. QB Chris Reynolds had a memorable game, but not in the way you want to be remembered: despite one touchdown, he threw one interception and fumbled the ball once with only 196 yards passing.
Meanwhile, Middle Tenn. might not have won anyway, but with 93 yards lost due to penalties, they really shot themselves in the foot last week. They lost to the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs on the road by a decisive 40-24 margin. Middle Tenn.'s loss came about despite a quality game from RB Terry Wilkins, who punched in one rushing touchdown. That touchdown -- a 69-yard rush in the first quarter -- was one of the highlights of the contest.
Charlotte came out on top in a nail-biter against the Blue Raiders when the two teams previously met in September of last year, sneaking past 42-39. The rematch might be a little tougher for the 49ers since the squad won't have home-field advantage. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.