49ers fall 45-13 on the road to the Hilltoppers
It was not a pleasant road trip for the 49ers as they lost in blowout fashion for the second week in a row. This time, to the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 45-13. Charlotte now sits 4-4 overall and 2-2 in C-USA.
“We’re not far man,” coach Healy said after the game. “We’ve got to piece some things together, be more consistent. We’ve got to score in the red zone.”
All of these things Healy mentioned are really starting to haunt the team as they continue to progress into the latter part of the season. This is back-to-back times now where the team was shut out in the second half, and it is the third game it has happened this year.
“I still haven’t lost faith in us being able to have a special year,” Healy said.
Photo creditCharlotte Football Instagram
Special year is subjective at this point with the best potential record now sitting at 8-4 if the team finds a way to win out. However, one thing that must be noted is this is still an obtainable goal. The remaining schedule is Rice at home, La Tech on the road, Marshall at home, and lastly Old Dominion on the road.
The team will need to get healthy as we saw James Foster, the backup to Chirs Reynolds, get banged up towards the end of the game against WKU. Foster did play well considering he has not taken many first-string snaps in live game situations.
“I am proud of how he (Foster) continued to find ways to make plays for this football team,” Healy said. “I hope he will be okay, he got banged up. He is a competitive dude much like number three (Reynolds). I’m sure he will get back healthy soon.”
Another thing to note is that Jon Alexander was not with the team for this game. His replacement, Marcus Robitaille, stepped up big for the 49ers as he recorded an interception, several deflections and two tackles for loss.
All Healy said about the situation is that he wasn’t with the team right now and they will look to see his involvement moving forward. Alexander was a top 15 safety in the nation based on his PFF rating, and not having him the rest of the season could be demoralizing for a defense who already ranks last in rush defense in C-USA.
It will not be an easy remaining four games, but four that are winnable and should be won by the 49ers. Charlotte has opened as 3.5 point favorites this upcoming weekend against Rice at home.