With a true freshman behind center, Charlotte football returns home looking for its first win.
DeShawn Purdie , the 6-foot-4 backup quarterback who impressed in April’s spring football game , will likely make the first start of his collegiate career on Saturday evening against Gardner-Webb. Starter Max Brown is out of this weekend’s matchup after sustaining what head coach Biff Poggi called a “fairly serious” injury to his right thumb.
Once it became clear that Brown wasn’t coming back during the 49ers’ 38-20 loss at UNC , Poggi approached his 18-year-old signal caller and told him: “It’s your show.”
“He looks at me, with no conceit or anything, and says: ‘I was built for this,’” Poggi told reporters Saturday in Chapel Hill. “First series, we go down and score. He’s got huge upside, we’re blessed to have him. All in all, I am thrilled with the progress this team is making.”
Key matchup: Can Charlotte’s offense break out vs. Gardner-Webb?
The two sides already share a common opponent.
Charlotte (0-2) totaled 27 points across its pair of losses to open the season. Both Brown and Purdie had solid performances behind center in Saturday’s loss to UNC, including two touchdown passes in the second half from Purdie.
A pair of field goals were all the scoring for Gardner-Webb (0-2) as it dropped a 13-6 game at James Madison .
The Runnin’ Bulldogs held the Dukes’ explosive offense — which blew out the Niners in their opener — to just one field goal throughout the first half. But Gardner-Webb, which dropped a 21-20 thriller in its first game, just couldn’t find the end zone.
Wide receiver Jairus Mack is coming off one of his best performances in a Charlotte uniform on Saturday, hauling in five catches for 118 yards. He was among nine Niners receivers who caught passes against the Tar Heels’ defense.
Player to watch: Charlotte QB DeShawn Purdie
Once again, all eyes will be on the Niners’ new quarterback.
Purdie, the 18-year-old true freshman, grew up in Baltimore and led Milford Mill Academy to an undefeated season and state championship . He entered Charlotte considered a three-star prospect , having thrown for 4,500 yards and 45 touchdowns over his final two years of high school in Maryland.
He completed 9 of 19 passes for 134 yards after entering for the injured Brown on Saturday in Chapel Hill. Passing was key for the Niners’ offense as they struggled to get their run game going.
Purdie has a chance to shine against Gardner-Webb. While the Runnin’ Bulldogs have played two close games and limited quarterbacks Alonza Barnett and Amari Odom , their defense has yet to record a single interception.
Vegas betting odds
According to Vegas Insider , Charlotte (-32.5) opens as the heavy favorite in Saturday’s meeting with Gardner-Webb, with the over/under set at 54.5 points.
FanDuel Sportsbook now lists the Niners as an 8.5-point favorite , as of Tuesday afternoon.
How to watch the Charlotte 49ers against Gardner-Webb
Matchup: Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs (0-2) at Charlotte 49ers (0-2)
Stream: ESPN+
Radio: ESPN 730
Date: Saturday, Sept. 14
Time: 6 p.m.
Place: Jerry Richardson Stadium, Charlotte
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