Fresh off the first win of the Tim Albin coaching era, Charlotte football aims to keep the momentum going with a Thursday night, nationally televised showdown against visiting Rice.
The 49ers (1-2) open conference play in The American against a familiar opposing coach and offensive style to those who have followed Charlotte area college football in recent years. Former Davidson coach Scott Abell took over the Owls program in the off-season and employs the same run-heavy, shotgun triple-option attack he used with success while with the FCS Wildcats.
🕒 Game Vitals
- Who: Rice Owls (2-1) at Charlotte 49ers (1-2)
- When: Thursday, Sept. 18 | 7:30 p.m.
- Where: Jerry Richardson Stadium – Charlotte, N.C.
- TV: ESPN (third all-time ESPN flagship appearance for Charlotte)
- Radio: 92.7 WFNZ (Matt Swierad, Al Wallace, Bobby Rosinski)
Charlotte will feature its Gold Rush uniforms Thursday night—gold helmets and gold tops—in front of a national audience. The spotlight extends to campus earlier in the day, when ESPN’s afternoon edition of SportsCenter originates live from the 49ers’ quad at 2 p.m., hosted by Matt Barrie.
📋 Storylines to Know
This American Conference opener pits two programs aiming to carve out early momentum under new coaching staffs. Charlotte (1-2) is coming off its first win of the season over FCS Monmouth (42-35) after losing in-state battles to App State and UNC. Rice (2-1) also beat an FCS team last week, topping Prairie View A&M.
- Abell Returns: Rice head coach Scott Abell is back in Charlotte. He previously led nearby Davidson to six winning seasons and two Pioneer League titles. His trademark offense is now producing results at Rice, with the Owls piling up 347 rushing yards last week.
- Short Week: The 49ers had to turn around quickly after their Saturday night win over Monmouth. Preparing for Rice’s complex motions and physical line play added another challenge.
- Offense Waking Up: Charlotte quarterback Conner Harrell is settling in. His 382-yard passing performance last week was a Richardson Stadium record, while receiver E. Jai Mason exploded for 228 yards and three touchdowns.
Coach Quotes
Charlotte head coach Tim Albin in this week’s press conference on preparing for Rice’s unique attack:
“We have prepped a little bit in the summer, looking at film a little bit in August, preparing for this short week … It’s been challenging to get the timing of the motions. But again, we did some work in the summer and we’re in a good spot. As a head coach you just worry about the heaviness of the offensive line and the defensive line because they’re big. You have to adjust to that, and then the speed of it.”
Rice head coach Scott Abell on the ESPN spotlight:
“I could not be more excited. It’s year one for both programs, so I’m sure they feel the same way. The opportunity to play on the national stage, to have your program out there, is exciting and should be a great opportunity for us.”
Abell on Charlotte’s offense:
“I think they’re beginning to find their DNA offensively. They’ve opened up their passing attack. They have a really nice group of receivers with different talent sets. I think the quarterback has now settled into his role … he’s playing with confidence.”
Last Time Out
Charlotte defeated Monmouth 42-35 in a shootout that delivered Albin his first win and on his birthday. Harrell completed 26 of 30 passes (86.7%), and Mason caught all 10 of his targets for 228 yards, the third-highest single-game mark in program history. The Niners scored touchdowns on five straight second-half drives, while the defense recorded four sacks, including two from Reid Williford.
Rice tuned up with a 38-17 victory over Prairie View A&M. Quarterback Chase Jenkins rushed for 124 yards and a touchdown, while the Owls rumbled for 347 rushing yards as a team. The defense chipped in seven tackles for loss.
Last Meeting
Charlotte edged Rice 21-20 in 2024 when the Owls missed a 40-yard field goal at the final horn. The 49ers rallied from a 10-0 halftime deficit, with O’Mega Blake catching two touchdown passes from Deshawn Purdie. The all-time series is tied 3-3.
By the Numbers
- Charlotte Passing Leader: Conner Harrell – 664 yards, 4 TDs, 2 INTs
- Charlotte Receiving Leader: E. Jai Mason – 16 catches, 284 yards, 3 TDs
- Charlotte Defense: Ja’qurious Conley – 20 tackles; Reid Williford – 2.0 sacks
- Rice Rushing Leaders: Quinton Jackson – 213 yards, 2 TD; Daelen Alexander – 149 yards; Chase Jenkins – 144 yards, 2 TD
- Rice Receiving: Aaron Turner – 89 yards, 2 TD
What to Watch Thursday Night
- Can Charlotte’s defense hold up against the Owls’ option rushing attack on a short week?
- Will Harrell and Mason connect again for explosive plays?
- Does the national stage and Gold Rush energy fuel Charlotte to a 2-2 start, or will Rice’s ground game control the tempo?
Prediction: Expect a physical, possession-driven contest. If Rice establishes its run early, the Owls could grind down the Niners. But Charlotte’s aerial attack is finding rhythm, and the Gold Rush crowd might make a difference.
Our Pick: Vegas has Rice as a 2.5-point favorite, with the over/under set at 42.5. Give us Charlotte 23-20.
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