TV, betting odds, matchup: FAU has experience, talent on offense - inexperience at QB

The Charlotte 49ers will be tested Saturday by a Florida Atlantic offense that was among the nation’s best in 2019.

The Owls haven’t had a chance to showcase that offense this season, with their first two games being postponed or canceled due to the coronavirus. But FAU, under new coach Willie Taggart, still has enough weapons — untested as they may be — to make the 49ers wary.

“They’re really talented,” said 49ers safety Ben DeLuca, who missed last season’s 45-27 loss against FAU with a shoulder injury. “They’ve got a great backfield. A lot of transfers on the perimeter, great receivers. So we’re expecting the same thing our of Florida Atlantic that you’ve seen in the past. They’re going to be fast. They’re going to be physical.”

FAU’s top four running backs return — Malcolm Davidson, James Charles, Larry McCammon and B.J. Emmons — from an offense that averaged 448.6 yards 36.4 points last season, best in C-USA. The Owls finished 11-3 and won last season’s Conference USA title.

But there’s a new quarterback in Nick Tronti, who’s 6-foot-2, 215 pounds. He played against the 49ers last season behind starter Chris Robison, completing his only pass and rushing eight times for 37 yards.

“He’s an impressive athlete,” Charlotte coach Will Healy said of Tronti. “We had a hard time tackling them a year ago. You know he’s, he’s big strong physical runs well. We’ve watched a bunch of his clips and he’s got a strong arm and can beat you in the (run-pass option) and push the ball down the field. There will be some carryover. They trust that guy to to do anything that’s in their playbook. “

How to watch

Saturday’s game will be broadcast on ESPNU at 4 p.m.

Betting odds

As of Friday, FAU was 6-point favorite, according to ESPN.com.

By the numbers

Records: Charlotte 0-1 (0-0 C-USA); FAU 0-0 (0-0).

Charlotte offense: 20 ppg | 286 ypg | 140 ypg passing | 146 ypg rushing.

FAU defense (allowed): 22.7 ppg | 374.2 ypg | 238.7 ypg passing | 135.5 ypg rushing.

FAU offense: 36.4 ppg | 448.6 ypg | 282.6 ypg passing | 166 ypg rushing.

Charlotte defense (allowed): 35 ppg | 512 ypg | 204 ypg passing | 308 ypg rushing.

*FAU numbers from 2019

Charlotte run game vs. FAU run defense

It appears that 49ers quarterback Chris Reynolds will play, and that has an impact on Charlotte’s running game because Reynolds is so elusive when he elects to run. The 49ers offensive game plan could change around that, because they will want to keep Reynolds as protected as much as possible to avoid re-injuring his upper body. Charlotte’s two running backs (Tre Harbison and Aaron McAllister) will likely share most of the carries. Backup quarterback Dom Shoffner might also make an appearance to give Reynolds a rest. FAU had one of C-USA’s top rushing defenses last season (135.5 yards per game), but this season’s interior is anchored by true freshman Evan Anderson, who’s 6-foot-3, 355 pounds.

Charlotte pass game vs. FAU pass defense

Again, so much hinges on the likely return of Reynolds. Whether he plays or not, Charlotte still has a deep and talented receiving corps. True freshman tight end Taylor Thompson had a big game in the season opener against Appalachian State, with two catches for 61 yards. The Owls secondary lost Meiko Dotson, who had nine interceptions last season.

FAU run game vs. Charlotte run defense

Here’s where the game might be won or lost. The Owls return their top four running backs, including Malcolm Davidson, who rushed for 720 yards last season. Run defense has been a perennial soft spot for Charlotte, which allowed 308 yards against App State. Possibly losing tackle Mikel Horton (elbow) and end Markees Watts (lower body) to injury won’t help Charlotte’s chances of slowing the Owls down.

FAU pass game vs. Charlotte pass defense

Quarterback Nick Tronti steps into the starting spot for FAU, and he has a stable of transfers to throw to in Aaron Young (Duke), Yanez Rogers (Cincinnati), D’Marcus Adams (Florida State) and T.J. Chase (Clemson). Charlotte’s pass rush won’t be as effective if Watts can’t play, but newcomers Romeo McKnight (end) and Tyler Murray (linebacker) are settling into co-coordinators’ Marcus Watts and Brando Cooper’s system.

Charlotte special teams vs. FAU special teams

The 49ers’ special teams had a big game against App State — Jonathan Cruz made both his field goal attempts, McAllister returned a kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown and Damon Weldon blocked a field-goal attempt. FAU’s Vladimir Rivas wasn’t very dependable in 2019, especially from 30 yards or longer, where he was 2 of 8.

Charlotte intangibles vs. FAU intangibles

This is clearly a game that both just want to play. The 49ers haven’t played since their season opener against App State on Sept. 12, having two games since then called off against North Carolina and Georgia State due to coronavirus concerns. Things have been worse for the Owls, who haven’t played at all yet, with their first two games against Georgia Southern and South Florida canceled or postponed. If the game is played at all, that will be cause for celebration for both teams.