Photo credit: Jordyn Phillips, University Press
This Saturday, the Charlotte 49ers (3-3, 2-0 AAC) travel to Annapolis, Maryland to take the #25 Navy Midshipmen (5-0, 3-0 AAC). Kickoff is at 3:30 PM EST and be aired on CBS Sports Network. While Charlotte is still yet to announce a starting quarterback, it will take a stellar performance in all three phases to knock the Midshipmen from the ranks of the undefeated, not just from the signal caller.
Let's jump straight into the numbers
1: Saturday provides an opportunity for Charlotte to claim their first win over a nationally ranked opponent.
55: The 55 points scored last time out against ECU was the most put on the scoreboard by the 49ers in the Biff Poggi era. The 313 rushing yards over 52 carries were a big reason why, averaging just under 6 yards per attempt. 55 points was the most by any Charlotte team since a 2022 game at Rice under interim Pete Rossomando, where they put up 56.
8.2: Navy's offense averages 8.2 yards per play, which is the best in all of FBS. While known for their rushing attack, the Midshipmen average 13.8 yards per pass attempt, and a gaudy 20.5 yards per completion. Navy is also yet to throw an interception this season against FBS competition.
22.17: Navy runs a pass play 22.17% of the time that they are on offense. While low comparatively to most other teams, this is just high enough to keep Charlotte wary of their aerial threat. In comparison to the other service academies, Air Force passes 12.5% of the time and Army throws the ball on just 12.46% of their offensive plays.
1/3: Charlotte has only managed to convert one of every three third downs that they have faced against FBS competition this season. Moving the sticks on the money down will be crucial to limit possessions, and keep the high-powered Navy offense off the field. Navy isn't much better, converting only 38.46% of the time, but due to their efficiency, they have faced far less of them.
489: Navy's opponents have averaged 489 yards per game so far this season when playing in Annapolis. This should provide some hope that Charlotte will be able to move the ball, emphasizing 3rd and 4th down, as well as red zone possessions.
While this will certainly be an uphill battle for Charlotte, I do think they can compete in this game. I think some big keys will be to get Navy's quick-strike offense behind the sticks in any way possible, efficiency in the red zone, and win the special teams battle. Do those things and I'm sure all of niner nation will be glued to the TV screen come the 6 o'clock hour on Saturday.
As always, Go Niners!
-Dave
