MATT LACZKO | THE CHARLOTTE POST


Charlotte football coach Tim Albin will try to earn his first win with the 49ers against Monmouth, a top 20 FCS program Saturday at Jerry Richardson Stadium.

Charlotte is 0-2 and in desperate need of a win.

The 49ers have one of their best chances — in theory — to get in the win column when they welcome Monmouth (2-0) to Jerry Richardson Stadium on Sept. 13. The Hawks, however, are a top 20 FCS team that have scored more than 40 points in each of their first two games.

“A bunch of points they’re scoring,” 49ers coach Tim Albin said. “I think… they’re first or second in passing a total offense, I can’t remember. I’ve had a chance to watch both games, I haven’t seen a whole lot of cutups, but they’ve got really good skill kids. The quarterback is an All-American.”

Monmouth plays uptempo offense, and for Charlotte, who was visibly gassed whenever App State’s offense was on the field for long periods, it could pose a problem. Albin feels the scout team has done the best job it can in simulating the speed Monmouth wants to play.

“[Monmouth is] heavy (run-pass option) every play and we have to be ready for tempo, which is hard to simulate in practice,” he said. “I think the scout teams did a good job of that today to help our defense get ready for that. They’re going to put pressure on us with the scoreboard. Offensively, we’re going to have to play our best. We’re going to have to play our best game period to be in the game.”

Charlotte’s offense has been inadequate so far, specifically the run game has not been a threat. Against North Carolina, the 49ers had more rushing attempts than yards.

“We’re not good enough on offense to overcome the second longs, which is kind of the theme in the first game,” Albin said. “… the light at the end of the tunnel is with both those games we had long drives. We actually did a little bit of a few conditioning things to get them huffing and puffing then breaking the huddle. It is because they’re not thinking sharp, because they’ve had a 10- or 11-play drive. I’m not suggesting that we’re out of shape. We’re trying to turn over all the rocks and give us our best chance to be able to finish.”

Albin is set on Conner Harrell as the starter at quarterback. He did — once again — mention that they may play all three at some point. 

“I think [Harrell] played better in the second [game] than he did in the first,” Albin said. “He wasn’t perfect, but neither am I. No one ever is. We’ve got to get him involved with his legs a little more. … I want him to take another jump this week.”

The 49ers have a laundry list of injuries just three weeks into the season: 

• Defensive lineman D.J. Burgess is out for the year with an upper body injury.

• Wide receiver Jayden McGowans is out for the year with a lower body injury.

• Wide receiver Sean Brown took a hit against North Carolina and has not practiced since with a contusion. 

• Running back Henry Rutledge saw his first game action against UNC before pulling himself from the game. He had an MRI and will be further evaluated. 

• Offensive lineman Johnny King was banged up against UNC and is likely doubtful against Monmouth.

Gametime is 6 p.m. and will be aired on ESPN+. 

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