Charlotte against EMU last season. NT File Photo
The Charlotte 49ers (0-1) dropped their season-opening contest to the Eastern Michigan Eagles (1-0), 24-7 at Rynearson Stadium in Ypsilanti, Mich. The Niners are now on a four-game losing skid that began last season against Rice.
Charlotte began the game on a positive note, stopping the Eagles on their first offensive possession with a fumble recovered by Juwan Foggie. Then, redshirt junior quarterback Hasaan Klugh threw a pick six and the Eagles jumped out to a 7-0 lead.
On the next drive, Klugh responded with a 21-yard strike to redshirt senior wide receiver Trent Bostick to tie it at 7-7. That would serve as the lone score for the Niners. In his first game back from a redshirting last season, Bostick led the way for Charlotte wide receivers with three receptions for 34 yards.
Charlotte’s defense forced another turnover later in the first half with an interception from Ed Rolle. The group is looking to remain the leading defense in takeaways in Conference USA. They led last season with 16. Rolle is also carrying over success from the 2016 slate: he led the team in interceptions with three.
Charlotte found some success on the ground, outrushing the Eagles, 166 yards to 126 yards. Alongside Klugh’s 101 yards rushing, sophomore running back Robert Washington rushed for 49 yards.
After the first quarter touchdown, every time the 49er offense seemed to make a good play, it would be refuted by a penalty. Charlotte ended the night with 11 penalites for 112 yards. Eastern Michigan capitalized on the good field position due to Charlotte’s penalties.
The Eagles racked up 10 penalties during the game for 70 yards.
Through the lack of scoring, Klugh racked up 107 yards rushing, proving just how much of a dual-threat he really is. Klugh also threw for 114 yards and one touchdown.
One thing the Eagles have over the 49ers is experience at the healm of the offense. EMU is led by their 5th-year senior quarterback Brogan Roback. Roback threw for 267 yards, completing 22 of his 31 passes.
Following Charlotte’s four play, 73 yard drive to tie it at 7, Eastern Michigan drove right down the field on a methodical 11 play, 80 yard drive capped off by a two-yard touchdown run from Eagle running back Ian Eriksen. The Eagles wouldn’t look back from there and added a field goal and another rushing touchdown to create a final score of 24-7.
Looking forward, Charlotte has another tough road test Week 2 at #20 Kansas State at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. The game can be viewed on WatchESPN. Charlotte’s home opener will follow the next week against Klugh’s former team, North Carolina A & T.