How does a relaxing and pleasant fourth quarter sound, Army fans?
Last week, Army started the fourth quarter up 10 points with a first and goal from the UAB 1. For the first time this season, Army fans got to watch the Black Knights with relatively low blood pressure through the end of the game. A huge part of the team’s success in that game was Coach Monken’s decision to go with a two-quarterback system. If you haven’t listened to our discussion of that system on this week’s podcast, you’re missing out!
Charlotte 49ers
Charlotte comes into this game 1-4 under first year Head Coach Tim Albin. Albin comes to North Carolina from Ohio where he coached the Bobcats to multiple MAC championship games – including one win – and three 10-win seasons over four years. But neither he nor his defensive coordinator,have any real experience against an option offense like Army’s. The closest they’ve gotten was three weeks ago against Rice.
This is an interesting match-up, historically. Charlotte heads to Michie Stadium this week for their first ever game against the Black Knights. They’re also trying to secure their first win against a service and/or service academy team. They currently have two losses to Navy and one loss to the then-505th Parachute Infantry Regiment about a year after the regiment returned from serving as an occupation force in Berlin.
Went on the road, executed in all three phases, and got the job done.
— Army Football (@ArmyWP_Football) October 7, 2025
🎥 Game 5 Victory Reel ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/1OOIjOoMBL
Offense
Charlotte starting QB Conner Harrell is out for the season after tearing his ACL against Rice. Former backup QB Grayson Loftis finished that Rice game and started last week against South Florida before getting benched in the second quarter. Starting with the drive he finished for Harrell up until his benching last week, his drives ended as follows: 1 touchdown, 2 field goals, and 7 punts. This includes 6 three-and-outs, his own fumble, an interception, a turnover on downs, and a safety. Third string QB Zach Wilke then led the 49ers to 26 points against South Florida after Loftis got pulled. During that game, which included quite a lot of garbage time, Wilke went 14/18 passing for 150 yards and 2 touchdowns plus an interception.
WRs E. Jai Mason and Javen Nicholas lead the 49ers’ receiving corps while RB CJ Stokes takes the bulk of the running game. The offense looks fairly balanced in terms of number of plays run, but over 70% of Charlotte’s yardage and 7/11 touchdowns have come through the air.
Either quarterback could start this week, but surely Wilke gives the 49ers the best chance to win overall.
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵: Charlotte vs Army for first time ever
— Charlotte Football (@CharlotteFTBL) October 9, 2025
📆 Saturday, Oct. 11
🕛 Noon
📺 CBS Sports Network
📻 92.7 WFNZ#BrickXBrick🧱 pic.twitter.com/2Eqxqc6I1A
Defense
The 49ers rushing defense currently sits in the bottom 6 in the FBS, allowing a whopping 248 yards per game on every bit of 5.5 yards per carry. The duo of LBs Shay Taylor and Kadin Schmitz lead the defensive front in tackles. But they’re both Ohio University transfers, and they haven’t seen a true triple-option offense in college — ever. Defending a two-quarterback system should prove to be a tall order for this crew this Saturday.
This squad has picked up an average of one turnover per game this year. That would be great if the offense hadn’t given up an average of two turnovers per game.
𝐀𝐫𝐦𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 ⛏️
— Charlotte Football (@CharlotteFTBL) October 8, 2025
Niners travel to West Point for first bout with the Black Knights 🔔#BrickXBrick🧱 https://t.co/NBYwz5jiTf
Special Teams
PK Liam Boyd is perfect on point-after tries and 6/8 on field goals. His long is 42, but he’s also missed from 42 and 26.
P Bronson Long averages over 43 yards per punt. He’s put five inside the 20 and has hit eight of for 50 or more yards with just one touchback. That’s pretty good.
Saturday's uniform combo 🏈
— Army Football (@ArmyWP_Football) October 10, 2025
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Key Takeaways
1. Army’s offense just needs to play clean football. The triple option offense might not be a novelty in conference games, but it should be in this one. If Army can play clean football, good results should follow.
2. Army’s red zone defense needs to become a serious focus this week. Charlotte has been one of the worst teams in the country in the red zone. To make matters worse, they often kick field goals when they should be scoring touchdowns. If Charlotte gets there, it might even be worth it to spend timeouts to keep the defense rested.
3. We have another week this week to experiment with using two quarterbacks. The team can use all sorts of looks with just one quarterback. With two, can they perhaps add more? What does that look like against a team that hasn’t yet seen the triple-option?
Attending Michie Stadium this Saturday?
— Army Football (@ArmyWP_Football) October 9, 2025
Our Gameday Guide has all your parking, shuttle and gate entry information. A reminder to arrive early as Saturday's game is SOLD OUT.
Follow the Game
This game kicks off at noon in front of a sold out Michie crowd. CBS Sports has TV coverage. You can find the radio call on the Varsity App.
Come join us in the Firstie Club chat for the best gameday chat around!
Go Army! Beat Charlotte!!!
