Marshall thunders past Charlotte. What we learned in the 49ers’ loss to the Herd

Another week, another career-high for an opposing running back against the Charlotte 49ers defense.

Rasheen Ali rushed for 203 yards and three touchdowns as Marshall dominated Charlotte in the 49ers’ 100th game in program history. The visiting Herd moved the ball for 588 total yards and scored 28 unanswered to down Charlotte, 49-28, on senior day.

With the win, head coach Charles Hough’s Herd (7-4, 5-2 C-USA) will play Western Kentucky in Huntington next weekend for a berth in the Conference USA Championship game.

Marshall spoiled Charlotte’s senior day in front of the 49er faithful, who hoped for a repeat of Charlotte’s 2019 senior day when the 49ers escaped Marshall to achieve bowl eligibility for the first time.

Five opposing running backs have totaled their career-high in rushing yards against the 49ers. It started in Week 1 with Mataeo Durant’s 255 yards and has been a reoccurring issue all season.

It was another tale of two halves for Charlotte (5-6, 3-4 C-USA). The 49ers trailed by seven at the half, ultimately losing by 21. Charlotte started the day hot offensively, but the defense couldn’t rein in the Herd.

Charlotte coach Will Healy was back at it early, calling three fourth-down attempts on the opening drive. Charlotte drove 75-yards in 16 plays, capped off by Chris Reynolds finding Keith Pearson Jr. in the back of the end zone for the game’s first score.

Marshall wasted no time responding, knotting the score as Rasheen Ali walked into the end zone untouched for his first touchdown of the game from 25 yards out.

After yet another fourth-down conversion, Charlotte settled for a 44-yard field-goal attempt. Jonathan Cruz’s attempt missed wide left, dropping to 8 of 13 on the season.

Much like Louisiana Tech’s Marcus Williams Jr. in Week 11, Ali frequented the end zone. Grant Wells missed multiple touchdown opportunities on the drive, but Ali rushed for nearly 100 yards in the first half, finding the end zone on the Herds’ first two drives. Wells finished the game 21 for 28 for 267 yards and two touchdowns.

Charlotte answered quickly, overcoming an illegal formation penalty that negated a 16-yard touchdown to freshman Jairus Mack. On the ensuing play, Reynolds found his roommate, Cameron Dollar, for a 21-yard score, using just 1:41 of clock to drive 71 yards in four plays to tie the score.

Marshall regained the lead on a 43-yard deep ball from Wells to Corey Gammage. Charlotte blew the coverage on the play, leaving Gammage all alone without a defender within 15 yards. That would prove to be the difference in the first 30 minutes.

The lone turnover on the first half came after yet another penalty on Charlotte, negating a first-down run by Reynolds. The ensuing play, Reynolds fumbled the option handoff and Marshall’s Rodney Croom recovered, setting up the Herd in 49ers’ territory with one minute to play in the first half.

Charlotte’s defense held for a field goal, and Herd kicker Shane Ciucci missed from 38 yards out — but Healy called timeout in an effort to ice Ciucci, effectively giving him another try. Ciucci missed again, sending the game to half with Charlotte trailing 21-14.

Marshall’s offense didn’t miss a beat following the sluggish end to the first half, driving 75 yards in nine plays to double its lead on Charlotte. Wells found a wide-open Xavier Gaines in the middle of the end zone for the score, Gaines’ third on the season.

Following the quick score, Reynolds’ second turnover of the game effectively ended it. Reynolds forced the ball into double coverage looking for Grant DuBose but was intercepted by Nazeeh Johnson. Ali wasted no time capitalizing, breaking a 59-yard run up Marshall’s sideline to position the Herd in the red zone.

Two plays later, Sheldon Evans cut back, trading a swarm of green jerseys for green grass, and scampered 15 yards for the score. The Herd extended their lead to four scores on a 95-yard touchdown drive later in the third, pushing their total over 500 yards and 42 points with an entire quarter to play.

Charlotte’s offense is electric at times, but it isn’t capable of scoring every possession. It’s been the story of the 49ers’ season.

Healy’s group will have one final shot at bowl eligibility next week against Old Dominion. Both teams are playing for a bowl bid. Following a 2020 season without football for the Monarchs, senior day in Norfolk will be high stakes for each program.

First down

Marshall outgained Charlotte by 224 total yards (588 to 364).

Offsides

The Herd came into Saturday’s game averaging 2.5 turnovers per contest. Charlotte failed to force a turnover on the night, committing two of their own to swing the game.

Reynolds’ first turnover of the night came on a botched handoff, but Marshall failed to capitalize. The Herd wouldn’t make that mistake again, scoring on the 49ers’ second turnover in as many possessions, driving 95 yards in five plays following Reynolds’ lone interception.

Reynolds finished the game completing 19-of-34 passes for 176 yards and three touchdowns, as well as the two key turnovers.

Touchdown

Marshall’s offensive line dominated Saturday’s contest from the first snap. The Herd rushed for 321 yards and five touchdowns on the ground, adding to their total of 34 rushing scores this season.

Offensive line coach Eddy Morrissey’s group paved the way for an average of 147 rushing yards per game coming into the Week 12 matchup. The Herd more than doubled that total against the second-worst statistical run defense in the conference (202 yards per game).

ICYMI

After missing the last three weeks, safety Jon Alexander returned to the lineup for Charlotte. Alexander led the team in interceptions with two coming into Saturday’s contest. He led the team in tackles with 12 and recorded a forced fumble on the game.

Key numbers

24 passing touchdowns on the season for Reynolds, breaking his 2019 record of 22.

2 touchdown catches on the night for Cameron Dollar, his first two of the 2021 season.

0 sacks for either team on the game.