Charlotte 49ers defense is on the rise, putting program on path for first bowl game

Remember the Charlotte 49ers’ defense?

The unit that was coming off an impressive 2018 season, but has been riddled with injuries this year? The defense that was allowing points and yards at a staggering pace, being bailed out game after game by their prolific offense?

The group that continued to struggle in the first half of Charlotte’s Conference USA game Saturday at Texas-El Paso?

Perhaps it’s time to reconsider this 49ers defense, which stiffened the Miners in the second half on the way to a 28-21 victory, Charlotte’s third in a row and first on the road.

Entering the game allowing an average of 37.1 points and 410.6 yards per game, Charlotte gave up 21 points and 262 yards in the first half. But the 49ers (5-5, 3-3 C-USA) held the Miners scoreless and to 108 yards in the second half (19 in the third quarter).

And while quarterback Chris Reynolds was doing his thing (354 yards passing, 91 rushing) in leading the 49ers to 21 consecutive points in the second half, the defense provided the game’s signature big plays:

▪ UTEP was driving for a potential go-ahead touchdown early in the fourth quarter. Going for it on a fourth-and-1 at the 49ers’ 4, the Miners snapped the ball to running back Treyvon Hughes out of the Wildcat formation. Hughes went up the middle, where he was met by Timmy Horne, Charlotte’s 6-foot-5, 318-pound junior defensive tackle. Doctor brought Hughes down for a loss of 1 yard.

That led to a 95-yard scoring drive by the 49ers, culminating in a 19-yard touchdown pass from Reynolds to tight end Jacob Hunt in what turned out to be the winning touchdown.

▪ The Miners had a chance to tie the game late, but sophomore linebacker Henry Segura intercepted a Kai Locksley pass with a minute left, sealing the victory.

First-year Charlotte coach Will Healy said Doctor’s play turned the game around.

“Our defense did that in the entire second half,” Healy said. “That’s a big play. Fourth-and-1 and they’re going in to score and we’re able to get some penetration and get huge stop. Big momentum shift there. Really proud of the way our defense played in the second half.”

The 49ers have two games left to reach the six victories necessary to become bowl eligible for the first time in program history. Charlotte is off next week before hosting Marshall (6-3, 4-1) on Nov. 23 and then plays at Old Dominion (1-9, 0-6).

If the second half against UTEP (1-8, 0-6) is an indication, Charlotte’s defense is ready to do its part.

Under new co-coordinators Marcus West and Brandon Cooper, the 49ers are playing in a new, unfamiliar 4-2-5 system. The new setup emphasizes putting pressure on the quarterback, which the 49ers have done by sacking quarterbacks 27 times already.

But as the 49ers gradually became acclimated to the new system, injuries set in. Defensive end Tyriq Harris has missed the entire season with a back injury. Safety Ben DeLuca is out for the season after hurting his shoulder in the second game of the season against Appalachian State. Promising freshman linebacker Prince Bemah — who had 2.5 sacks before being hurt against Massachusetts — is also out for the year. Doctor missed time with a foot injury. Senior linebacker Jeff Gemmell missed the Clemson game with an ankle injury. And more recently, backup cornerback Lance McMillan didn’t play against Middle Tennessee last week with a bad shoulder.

The injuries have allowed the 49ers to build their depth, however. Sophomore Markees Watts, playing in Harris’ spot, has 7.5 sacks, second only to senior end Alex Highsmith’s 8.5. Junior free safety Jacione Fugate has been an impact player in DeLuca’s spot.

For now, it appears the 49eres have overcome all those injuries — as well as a key one on offense, with running back Benny LeMay (Achilles tendon) sitting out a second consecutive game Saturday.

“The resiliency of our football team showed once again,” Healy said. “We made some huge plays down the stretch. Our defense pitched a shutout in the second half. Crucial interception to end the game when they’re driving and a lot of fun to celebrate with these guys because they’ve worked really, really hard at establishing a culture and at the day-to-day process it takes to be a special football program.”

This story was originally published November 10, 2019 at 3:49 PM.