Charlotte 49ers vs. North Carolina Tar Heels Pick & Prediction SEPTEMBER 7th 2024

Preview and Prediction

Sophomore Conner Harrell will receive his second start and first of the season as North Carolina takes on Charlotte in Chapel Hill, N.C. on Saturday afternoon.

Harrell was called into action when starting quarterback Max Johnson suffered a leg injury in the third quarter of the season opener against Minnesota on August 29th.

The Tar Heels (1-0) were trailing 14-10 to the Golden Gophers when Harrell entered the game in the third quarter. He completed 2 of 4 passes for 34 yards, including a 32-yard pass to J.J. Jones in the fourth quarter that set up Noah Burnette's game-winning 45-yard field goal with 1:45 remaining in the 19-17 victory.

North Carolina coach Mack Brown expressed confidence in Harrell, stating, "We all need to support Conner and step up because he's a talented player."

Harrell started in last season's Duke's Mayo Bowl when Drake Maye sat out, throwing for 199 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in the Tar Heels' 30-10 loss to West Virginia.

Brown added, "We need to identify Harrell's strengths and utilize them. With teams focusing on stopping number 28, we need to adjust our game plan accordingly."

Running back Omari Hampton, who rushed for 129 yards and caught five passes in the win over Minnesota, wears number 28 for the Tar Heels.

Charlotte (0-1) is coming off a 30-7 loss to James Madison, but coach Biff Poggi is hopeful that some of his injured starters will be able to play in this game.

"We should have a couple of our defensive linemen back," said Poggi, who does not disclose injured players' names. "One of them will be on a limited playing time."

He continued, "We lost an offensive lineman during the game, but we may have one returning. Everyone else should be in the same condition as last week."

Quarterback Max Brown completed 22 of 45 passes for 193 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in the loss to James Madison. Terron Kellman led the 49ers in rushing with 76 yards on nine carries.

Sean Brown was the top receiver for Charlotte, catching six passes for 70 yards, while Isaiah Myers scored the team's only touchdown on a 26-yard pass in the second quarter.

PREDICTION

Charlotte 49ers

North Carolina Tar Heels

Charlotte 49ers vs. North Carolina Tar Heels Recap SEP 7TH 2024

Conner Harrell passed for two touchdowns and rushed for a third and true freshman Davion Gause ran for 105 yards as North Carolina held off Charlotte 38-20 Saturday afternoon in Chapel Hill, N.C.

A sophomore making his second career start, Harrell was 16-of-25 passing for 219 yards and rushed for 39 more as the Tar Heels (2-0) ran for 269 yards despite losing leading rusher Omarion Hampton to injury in the second quarter.

True freshman Deshawn Purdie was 9-of-19 passing for 134 yards and two touchdowns for the 49ers (0-2) after taking over for injured starter Max Brown in the second quarter.

After settling for field goals their first two trips into the red zone in the first half, the 49ers scored on their third try when Purdie followed up a 34-yard strike to Jairus Mack with a 5-yard touchdown pass to Bryce Kennon early in the third quarter to cut their deficit to 21-13.

But the Tar Heels responded with Harrell's 58-yard touchdown pass to Christian Hamilton and Noah Burnette's 44-yard field goal to build a 31-13 cushion entering the fourth period.

Gause scored from a yard out in the fourth quarter to open the gap to 38-13, and Purdie ended the scoring with a 28-yard pass to Henry Rutledge.

The Tar Heels opened the game with a three-and-out but scored touchdowns on their next three series to build a 21-6 lead at the half.

Harrell threw for one score to Bryson Nesbit and scored on a 4-yard run, and Nate McCollum scored on a reverse from 37 yards out.

The 49ers settled for field goals after twice driving inside the Heels' 10-yard line.

Injuries sidelined seven Charlotte starters in the first half, including Brown, who was 8-of-12 passing for 175 yards before leaving with an injured hand. He did not return.

North Carolina had three starters put out by injury, including running back Hampton who rushed for 77 yards in a little over a quarter before leaving for good.