Charlotte 49ers go back to basics, beat Presbyterian Blue Hose 45-21

Quarterback Matt Johnson could tell there was something different about his Charlotte 49ers teammates last week.Coming off a second consecutive loss, Johnson felt a sense of purpose from the 49ers as they began their week of preparation for Saturday's game at Presbyterian."Monday morning, with how we started studying film, started practice, everything we do, it was amazing to see," Johnson said after the 49ers beat the Blue Hose 45-21 at Bailey Memorial Stadium. "We had to get back to the basics, and that's what we did."

After opening the first football season in school history with victories against overmatched Campbell and Chowan, the 49ers were outclassed in successive losses against established FCS programs N.C. Central and James Madison.Charlotte was able to bounce back with authority against the Big South's Blue Hose. Spotting Presbyterian an early lead, the 49ers scored 38 unanswered points during one stretch.The 49ers got a balanced attack rushing for a season-high 236 yards, passing for 269 on their way to 505 total yards. Johnson completed 15 of 24 passes for 269 yards and a touchdown, a 53-yarder to Mikel Hunter during a second quarter in which Charlotte outscored Presbyterian 21-0.

Charlotte's rushing attack, with Alan Barnwell 88 yards, one touchdown and Kalif Phillips 79 yards, two scores leading the way, wore down a Blue Hose defense that struggled to keep up with the 49ers' spread, no-huddle offense."A lot of that was our offensive line," Lambert said. "I think our strength program really showed today."After trailing 14-7 midway through the first quarter, the 49ers shut down the Blue Hose the rest of the way, scoring 38 consecutive points during one stretch and setting up a game against 25th-ranked Gardner-Webb next Saturday at Richardson Field.