Charlotte can solidify its best start in program history at FIU. What the 49ers are facing

Will Healy’s message following last week’s loss at Illinois provided hope.

“We still haven’t played our best football,” Healy said. “I think this team has the ability to be really, really good by the end of the year.”

The 49ers (3-2, 1-0 CUSA) have shown flashes of success in all three phases this season, but have struggled to execute simultaneously over the past three games. Following the game in Champaign, the 49ers must flush the loss quickly and turn toward struggling Florida International (1-4).

The injury bug bit the 49ers’ offensive line in the Week 5 loss with tackles Jaxon Hughes and T.J. Moore’s status in question. Arkansas transfer Chibueze Nwana was the next man up when Moore went down on the first drive of the game, but who emerges as the tackle opposite Nwana is still to be seen.

Facing a Panthers’ defense that is allowing more than 500 yards and 35 points per game, this is a perfect opportunity for the 49ers to secure their first victory outside of Richardson Stadium this season.

Charlotte has scored an opening drive touchdown in four of its five games this season. The fast starts are instilling confidence and highlighting the 49ers’ progress since Healy took over in 2019.

“It’s about us. Everybody on that sideline believed we were going to win that (Illinois) game,” Healy said. “We started that way. Typically it takes a series or two and you’re like, ‘OK, we can play with these guys.’ But this one was from the get-go.”

The 49ers have never beaten the Panthers, and with Florida International canceling last season’s matchup due to COVID protocols, it’s the first time they’ve met since Charlotte was blown out in 2019.

“You’ve got to bring your own juice to Miami,” Healy said. “We played down there two years ago and they put us to sleep. We absolutely got whooped. We need to be prepared to bring our own excitement, so I turned the music off at practice today. We’ll do the same thing on Thursday to make sure these guys are ready to bring it to Miami.”

Moving on to a seven-game conference slate, this is a prove-it game for the 49ers. A win doubles its win total from the 2020 season and pushes Charlotte to 2-0 in conference play, its best start in program history. With the second leg of the 49ers’ road stint just days away, Charlotte aims to maintain its position atop Conference USA’s East Division.

Ahead of Friday’s 7 p.m. kickoff (CBSSN),The Observer chatted with Underdog Dynasty’s Managing Editor and FIU reporter Eric Henry to get a closer look at the Panthers.

Hunter Bailey: The Panthers have suffered two heartbreaking losses against Texas State and Central Michigan and have only scored 10 fourth-quarter points all season. What are a few factors that you believe are contributing to the Panthers’ late-game struggles?

Eric Henry: FIU has suffered from inconsistent offensive play in every game against FBS competition this year. The offense has been almost exclusively dependent on explosive plays so far, as evidenced by quarterback Max Bortenschlager’s 52.3 completion percentage. Their lack of ability to sustain drives, especially in the second half, played a major factor in costing them games against Central Michigan and Texas State. That’s not to let the defense off the hook, however, they haven’t been helped by having to stop opposing offenses repeatedly during the late stages.

HB: Much like the 49ers, FIU has a dynamic receiving duo of its own with Tyrese Chambers and Bryce Singleton. With Chambers leading the nation with an average of 27.7 yards per catch, what are some things that opposing defenses have done to slow down the Panthers’ explosive passing game?

EH: It’s almost inevitable that at some point, Chambers and/or Singleton will haul in a deep pass and both have the ability to take a short pass for extended yards after the catch. Both possess speed that will test opposing cornerbacks and have excellent ability to track deep balls in the air. The best defense against the FIU passing game has been providing pressure on Bortenschlager. When plays have broken down, Panther wideouts have struggled to get open and provide the quarterback an outlet. Also, Bortenschlager has been inconsistent in hitting receivers when they’ve been open.

HB: After a blazing fast start to the season, it seems that D’Vonte Price has been held in check the past three weeks. Going against one of the nation’s worst run defenses in Charlotte, what must Butch Davis and Co. do to get Price going?

EH: Price’s struggles over the past three weeks have been stunning, to be honest. The 2.8 yards per attempt he’s averaging over the last three outings is by far the lowest of his career when he’s averaged at least 10 carries over that stretch. They have to keep feeding him because, despite the struggles, he’s their most talented offensive player. Also, they have to be able to run in favorable down and distance situations, which they’ve had few of in the last three games. Lastly, the offensive line will look to rebound against Charlotte’s subpar run defense.

HB: The Panthers are allowing 35 points and more 500 yards per game on defense. From watching a struggling defense myself, do you think FIU’s problems are more schematic issues or personnel? How do you believe they can limit the damage moving forward?

EH: FIU’s run defense struggles have been an issue for the better part of 3 ½ seasons now. Over their last 35 outings, the Panthers have allowed over 170 yards rushing 20 times - with 15 of those seeing opponents rush for over 200. Their issues against the pass this year are new and especially alarming given the talent of their secondary. It’s really a combination of both and if they’re going to be able to limit the issues going forward, it’s going to start with the play of the front seven. First-year defensive coordinator Everett Withers has been able to generate pressure via the blitz, but of their seven sacks, only three come from the defensive line. That has to change.

HB: After a winless 2020, a 1-4 start to the season has been far from ideal for Davis. In terms of job security in a contract year, if things continue to go south, do you believe that Butch finishes the year with the program?

EH: I have a ton of respect for the job Butch Davis has been able to do at FIU. In the 15 seasons prior to his arrival, FIU had an overall record of 56-127 -- if you include 10 vacated victories. That futility puts his getting FIU to three straight bowls in perspective. With that being said, the program is 1-10 since their upset over Miami. They haven’t beaten an FBS program since November 23, 2019, and haven’t won on the road since November 17, 2018 (at Charlotte). I don’t think they make a move in-season, but a divorce at the end of the season is almost inevitable at this point.

HB: Coming out of a pandemic season in 2020, what’s the game day environment like in FIU Stadium? What can visiting 49ers fans expect on Friday night?

EH: FIU has an extremely passionate fanbase that’s supported the team for a program since its inception. However, despite their passion, that doesn’t necessarily equate to a large fan following. Roughly 3,000-5,000 faithful will show up for the game, including students. There is a litany of things to get into on a weekend night in South Florida and whether it’s FIU or Miami, it can be a struggle to get fans in the seats when teams are mediocre. Especially with this game being on a Friday night and having to compete with high school football in South Florida.