Norm the Niner runs after Rameses the Tar Heel with a pair of shears
Ava Weaver/Niner Times
The 49ers host the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Tar Heels (UNC) under the lights on Sept. 6 at Jerry Richardson Stadium.
After a 34-11 loss to Appalachian State University in the Duke’s Mayo Classic, Charlotte has a chance to flip the script against an even tougher in-state rival.
The game marks Head Coach Tim Albin’s first home game of the season and opens a two-week homestand. Adding extra excitement, starting redshirt junior quarterback Conner Harrell and several teammates are UNC transfers seeking redemption against their former program.
A budding rivalryÂ
Although some may believe the in-state rivalry between Charlotte and UNC has been ongoing, it’s actually quite new.
The 49ers and Tar Heels have only met once previously, ironically, one year ago on Sept. 7 in Chapel Hill, N.C., at Kenan Memorial Stadium.
Harrell played his career best against Charlotte, dropping two touchdowns and 219 yards. He went 16-for-25, only throwing one interception. His performance led the Tar Heels to a 38-20 win, and now, Charlotte hopes to make its mark with a home-field advantage.
The two teams were originally set to meet for their first-ever contest in 2020, but the road showdown was canceled.Â
Each team enters the game 0-1 on the season. Now, with eight-time Super Bowl Champion and Head Coach Bill Belichick leading the Tar Heels to Charlotte, the buzz of this competition has created a budding rivalry that may continue to sprout throughout the next few years.Â
49ers on familiar turfÂ
An offseason full of new faces and learning a new playbook has put Charlotte in another cycle of gaining familiarity. Despite the loss to Appalachian State on Aug. 29, the 49ers know what it takes to bring out their best, especially in front of a home crowd.
“We didn’t get a lot of explosive plays,” Harrell said. “That’s something you have to think about, not as offense. I think we didn’t execute as well. We were behind the chains a lot, and it wasn’t just about App State, but just about our offense executing. I think, my performance, I have to do better. And as an offense, we’re emphasizing [that] we are already better. We’ll have to focus on what we have to do, not the other team.”
Harrell showed flashes of upside in the Mayo Classic, with 142 yards, 13 completions and one touchdown. Against a UNC defense he’s familiar with, his dual attack of rushing and passing could bring the 49ers an advantage.
Also, a team captain who previously attended UNC, redshirt senior defensive back Ja’Qurious Conley, was a bright spot against the Mountaineers. Conley used the classic ‘peanut punch’ to force an Appalachian State fumble at their 1-yard line and completed eight tackles for Charlotte’s defense.Â
Appalachian State had a strong aerial attack that the 49ers were unable to stop with the defensive line and secondary. Charlotte’s defense gave up 404 passing yards in the season opener, and they will look for a duo of Conley and redshirt junior defensive back Cary Grant to prevent big yards and lock down UNC’s receiving corps. Â
Notably missing from Charlotte’s special teams and offense last week, redshirt senior running back Henry Rutledge is set to make his season debut against UNC.Â
A strong force in the backfield, Rutledge’s speed and shift can be huge for third-down conversions, something Charlotte struggled with previously. Even Belichick knows Rutledge is a threat, which will make his presence on the field even more noticeable.Â
“They have a really explosive returner in Rutledge,” Belichick said. “He’ll probably be the best one we face this year.”
Charlotte players like redshirt fifth-year wide receiver Justin Olson and redshirt junior tight end Jake Young will also strive to make a difference for the 49ers’ offense on Saturday, hoping to seal the deal for a win.
Toss-up from UNC
The Tar Heels have also turned a new page in their program, following the hiring of Belichick on Dec. 11, 2024. Belichick’s ties to UNC date back to his father, Steve, who served as an assistant coach for the program from 1953 to 1955. He became the 40th head coach in Tar Heels history and brings 38 returners and 70 newcomers to the roster for the 2025 season.
UNC, a notable powerhouse program in North Carolina, struggled against Texas Christian University (TCU) for a Labor Day showdown in Chapel Hill, N.C., on Sept. 1.
Redshirt sophomore quarterback Gio Lopez made his first career start for the Tar Heels against TCU, but went out early with an injury that brought in senior quarterback Max Johnson.
In the third quarter, Johnson connected on his 48th career passing touchdown, which was his first with UNC. The passing score was also caught by his brother and redshirt junior tight end Jake Johnson.
Johnson threw 9-for-11 with 103 yards and a touchdown against the Horned Frogs, but the Tar Heels ultimately fell 48-14.
It’s still undecided if Lopez or Johnson will go under center for UNC, which leaves Charlotte to prepare for both.
Another potential offensive threat shows up in the backfield with redshirt senior running back Caleb Hood. His opening-drive rushing touchdown was his third career on the ground and his first since 2023.
Hood had 10 attempts for 31 yards and a touchdown, but an angry UNC, seeking its first win for the season, could mean an extra piece of explosiveness both offensively and defensively.
“As far as Charlotte goes, they’re probably feeling about the same as we did,” Belichick said. “I’m sure both teams will be looking to rebound. This is a team that has a lot of new faces. New coaching staff. We’ve looked at a lot of what Coach Albin has done at Ohio.”
Up next
Charlotte is set to host UNC at Jerry Richardson Stadium on Sept. 6. The Saturday night showdown brings a lot of intensity, which includes pregame tailgating at The 49th Acre and a concert from country music artist Chris Lane at Hauser Alumni Pavilion lawn.
The concert with Lane starts at 4 p.m., and the game kicks off at 7 p.m. The contest will be broadcast on ESPN+ for viewing and can also be heard on the radio on 99.7 The Fox.