Charlotte 49ers lose Friday Night to the Owls
The Charlotte 49ers had a rare football Friday Night last night as they took on the Temple Owls in Jerry Richardson Stadium. In the rainy atmosphere, it was the Owls who were best adjusted to the nocturnal conditions. Temple secured the victory by offering a more complete performance. Though the teams had fairly equal yards gained, the Owls held onto the ball for almost ten more minutes. Just as important, they found the end zone. This was something the 49ers did not manage to do over the course of the game.
X – Good News: Fewer Turnovers
Despite the lack of scoring and field position, the Charlotte 49ers did improve on the problem that killed their chances against Florida Atlantic the previous week. There was only one turnover and the turnover differential for the game was zero. Lee McNeill continued at quarterback and had only a single pick in a game where the 49ers were trailing from start to finish.
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Y – Special Teams?
Of course that turnover bit only matters if the other elements are playing mistake free as well. In this case, the special teams unit made at least one error too many. Down 24-3, the 49ers tried to punt from deep in their own territory. That punt was blocked and returned by Temple’s Nate L. Smith for a touchdown. The 49ers did block the extra point, but that pales to the six they had just given up.
Z – There was a running back battle except for the scoreboard
The rain really took passing out of play. The teams’ two running backs were not only their leading rushers, but also their leading receivers. Between the two, Kalif Phillips had more yards on fewer touches. He had six more rushing yards on one fewer carry. However Temple’s Jahad Thomas had seven more receiving yards for a one yard edge. Thomas also scored two touchdowns.
This was a tough game for the 49ers, and they should feel somewhat better heading back into the conference schedule. Charlotte travels to Norfolk next week to take on the Old Dominion Monarchs.