Biff Poggi became Charlotte’s head coach with the goal of rebuilding the program into an AAC contender. That didn’t quite happen in Year 1, but a respectable transfer portal haul suggests Year 2 could be better.
The 49ers went 3-9 last season but held their own against Maryland, Florida, SMU, and Memphis. There were reasons for optimism, but no fanbase will go crazy after a 3-9 year.
Can Poggi lead the 49ers to the second bowl in program history?
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Charlotte Football’s AAC Title Odds
Charlotte’s odds to win the AAC are +5000, via BetMGM.
Charlotte Football’s Betting Odds & Over/Under Win Total
Charlotte’s win total Over/Under is 3.5, with Over 3.5 at -140 and Under 3.5 at +115.
Charlotte Football’s 2024 Schedule
8/31 vs JMU
9/7 at North Carolina
9/14 vs. Gardner-Webb
9/21 at Indiana
9/28 at Rice
10/5 vs. East Carolina
10/19 at Navy
10/26 at Memphis
10/31 vs. Tulane
11/16 vs. USF
11/23 at FAU
11/30 vs. UAB
Bold indicates AAC contests
Key Charlotte Football Returners
2023 All-AAC 2nd Team
CB Dontae Balfour Jr.
Dynamic Individuals Could Help Charlotte Surpass Expectations
While the 49ers don’t return many All-AAC players from 2023, Dontae Balfour is one of the best corners in the conference. His return bolsters a secondary that ranked in the top half of the AAC in defensive pass efficiency in 2023.
Linebacker/EDGE Stone Handy can disrupt offenses with his explosiveness off the edge of the defensive front. Handy posted 5.5 tackles for loss and a pair of sacks last season, playing his best football at the end of the year. He’s a prime breakout candidate in 2024.
Defensive lineman Demon Clowney also flashed at times in 2023, and defensive tackle Jalar Holley will return from injury in 2024. The 49ers’ defensive line could be a strength, with wildcards like Miami transfer Chantz Williams only adding to the hope that the 49ers could dismantle opposing offensive fronts.
Certainly, the 49ers will need more than just a decent defense to win games against a tough Group of Five schedule. Fortunately, Power Four transfer additions at quarterback, running back, and wide receiver could improve what was an abysmal offense in 2023.
If Florida transfer Max Brown plays well at quarterback, Charlotte could flirt with bowl eligibility. The defense should be respectable in 2024, thanks to possible All-AAC players like Handy and Balfour. If the offense takes even a small leap, it’s possible Charlotte pushes for a winning record in conference play. That might be needed to make a bowl game, given the potential for a 1-3 record outside AAC games.
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2024 Charlotte Football Season Prediction
I predict Charlotte will go Over 3.5 wins in 2024, but I’m not sold on the 49ers reaching a bowl game. Non-conference FBS matchups with JMU, North Carolina, and Indiana will require upsets, and conference road games against Memphis and FAU won’t be easy.
Even with a tough schedule, games against Gardner-Webb, Rice, Navy, and UAB look winnable on paper. Given the 49ers’ talent – they’re loaded with notable former Power Four players – I anticipate them pulling off at least an upset or two this fall.
The offense needs to improve dramatically for the 49ers – scoring 17.5 points per game like last season won’t cut it – but a Florida transfer at quarterback should improve production for the sport’s most important position. If Brown plays well, the 49ers have a nice group of skill players around him that includes returning tight end Colin Weber.
Poggi makes Charlotte a fascinating Group of Five program to track, and the transfer additions should give fans hope that on-field improvements are coming. Making a bowl game might be more realistic in Year 3 or 4, however.
