The Charlotte 49ers’ slide continues in a tough loss to Western Kentucky

Western Kentucky handed Charlotte its second consecutive blowout loss on Bailey Zappe’s five touchdowns, downing the 49ers, 45-13.

This was a battle of teams heading in opposite directions. Charlotte (4-4, 2-2 C-USA) jumped out to a program-best 4-2 start, sitting atop Conference USA just three weeks ago. The Hilltoppers’ (4-4, 3-1 C-USA) offense has been electric all season, but the progression of Tyson Helton’s defense is shaping this unit into a true contender for the East Division crown.

Western Kentucky gave Charlotte chance after chance to stay in this game. Undisciplined play and self-inflicted errors were the nail in the coffin for the 49ers.

Charlotte battled in the first half picking off Zappe twice, but the offense was unable to capitalize as James Foster was on the run all afternoon. The Hilltoppers’ defensive line was disruptive throughout.

Foster got the first start of his collegiate career — Chris Reynolds was inactive due to an injury to his throwing hand suffered in the first half against Florida Atlantic. The Texas A&M transfer showed flashes early, but Western Kentucky’s explosive offense proved to be too much.

Bailey Zappe became the nation’s leading passer with his 30th touchdown of the season on the Hilltoppers’ first drive, finding Oregon transfer Daewood Davis from 11 yards out to put Western Kentucky on the board.

The teams traded interceptions in the first quarter as Zappe tossed his fifth interception of the season. Marcus Robitaille recorded the first turnover of his career, setting the 49ers’ offense up at midfield. Charlotte drove into Hilltopper territory but Foster’s fourth-down pass was intercepted by Demetrius Cain, shifting the momentum back to Western Kentucky’s sideline.

Two pass interference calls on Charlotte set up Zappe and the Western Kentucky offense with first and goal from the 49ers’ two-yard line. Zappe scored a rare rushing touchdown for the Tops, putting Western Kentucky up two scores late in the first quarter.

Foster found the end zone for the first time in his career from one yard out, calling his own number to cap off the scoring drive. The roommate connection of Foster and Shadrick Byrd connected for a 53-yard pass to set up the touchdown.

Jonathan Cruz gave the 49ers life late in the first half as he connected from 56-yards out, tying his career-high from his game-winner against Florida Atlantic in 2018. Western Kentucky’s lead was cut to eight on the kick, but that was as close as the 49ers would get.

Zappe wasted no time with an answer, finding his favorite target Jerreth Sterns in the corner of the end zone from 21-yards out for his 11th touchdown of the season, extending the Hilltoppers’ lead to 15 at the half.

The 49ers’ last shot to make this a game came on their first drive of the second half. Foster started to settle in, leading Charlotte on a long drive into Hilltoppers’ territory. Faced with a 4th and 2, Foster’s pass was batted at the line and fell incomplete.

Charlotte’s offense was held scoreless in the second half, continuing its trend of being shut out in the final 30 minutes in all four losses this season. Chris Reynolds was undoubtedly missed but should be ready for the final four games of the season.

Will Healy’s group has lost consecutive games by a combined total of 61 points. Charlotte will return home to host Rice (3-5, 2-2 C-USA) for homecoming on November 6. The 49ers will need to win two of their last four to become bowl eligible.

Offsides

While we don’t have official statistics, Charlotte was flagged at least 10 times in this one, many of which were pass interference and offsides calls.

Charlotte nearly reeled in its third interception of the day as Tyler Murray batted Zappe’s pass, but pass interference was called on the defensive back in coverage, negating the fourth down situation and giving WKU a first down. Zappe went on to throw his fourth touchdown of the day, putting this one out of reach.

Touchdown

Zappe was rarely under pressure in this one as the Hilltoppers’ offensive line held Charlotte’s front four at bay most of the afternoon. Markees Watts is the 49ers’ best pass-rusher but spent much of the afternoon in pass coverage. This defensive scheme is one of a kind.

ICYMI

49ers’ backup quarterback James Foster got the start over Chris Reynolds due to an injury to his hand in the first half of last week’s game against Florida Atlantic. Reynolds practiced throughout the week and was expected to play, but a late switch put the Texas A&M transfer at the helm.

Key numbers

4: different receivers found the end zone for the Hilltoppers.

56: Length in yards of a field goal for Jonathan Cruz, tying his career-long from 2018 when he kicked the game-winner to beat Florida Atlantic.

66: Length in yards of a punt for Bailey Rice, downing Western Kentucky inside their one to thwart any hopes of a Hilltoppers’ score before the half.

This story was originally published October 30, 2021 at 7:34 PM.