It's a battle of in-state foes on Saturday night in Charlotte, as Bill Belichick and the UNC football program will take on the Charlotte 49ers for the second consecutive season.
Both teams are coming off opening weekend losses and aim to get back on track this week. North Carolina has all eyes on them, especially after the disappointing loss to TCU, as fans across the world are curious to see how the Tar Heels respond in their first road contest of the season.
For Charlotte, the 49ers feature a handful of former Tar Heels on their active roster. This will serve as a redemption game of sorts for some of these guys.
Here's the low-down on the Charlotte 49ers ahead of Saturday night's matchup:
2025 Season
Record: 0-1
Conference: 0-0
Home: 0-0
Away: 0-0
Neutral: 0-1
Last Week:
Charlotte suffered a 34-11 loss to Appalachian State at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Key Players
Conner Harrell
Harrell was one of the more notable transfers to depart the UNC football program during the offseason, as he now has the opportunity in front of him to be a full-time starting quarterback.
The former Tar Heel threw for 142 yards and a touchdown in his 49er debut, adding 22 yards on the ground. It will be important for North Carolina's defense to keep him in the pocket, not allowing him to make plays with his legs.
Justin Olson
It feels so long ago that Olson was a member of the UNC football program, as it's been three years since he last wore the Carolina Blue uniform.
Now, in his fifth season of college football, Olson aims to be a top-target for Harrell, another former Tar Heel. In the season opener, Olson led the 49ers with two catches for 56 yards.
Ja'Qurious Conley
Corley also was a member of the UNC football program quite some time ago, last appearing in a game during the 2021 season. He was very productive as a Tar Heel, recording 81 tackles and two interceptions over his two seasons with the program.
Now in his second season at Charlotte, Conley is on pace to crush his production from a year ago. He recorded eight tackles in the season opener and forced a fumble, putting him on pace for a strong season.
Kadin Schmitz
A junior linebacker, Schmitz is one of the leaders on the 49ers defensive unit. He's coming off a season opener in which he recorded 9 tackles, as you can expect him to be heavily involved once again on Saturday night.
Area of Strength
The offensive line is considered to be one of Charlotte's biggest strengths in Tim Albin's first season at the helm. Offensive coordinator Todd Fitch’s offense is designed to create explosive plays, helping clear the path for the run game. In order to make those plays, the line must hold up, as veteran presences along the unit will help accomplish that goal.
Area of Weakness
Defense.
Appalachian State torched the 49ers defensive unit, accumulating nearly 600 yards of total offense.
Charlotte is going to have to lock in defensively, especially in passing situations, as they can't afford for opposing offenses to continuously drive down the field at will.