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The Charlotte 49ers were already behind the eight-ball when entering the 2024 college football season. Facing a James Madison squad that won 11 games a year ago, the Niners were considered one-touchdown underdogs despite playing their opener at home.
Head coach Biff Poggi announced on Tuesday that the task at hand will be even harder come Saturday. Charlotte could be without nearly half of its starting lineup when the Dukes come to town.
Expectations were tempered this season as the program brought in 71 new players over the offseason. This, coming after a 3-9 output in Poggi’s first year at the helm.
For those reasons, the 49ers were picked to finish 13th in the 14-team AAC above only Temple.
Despite the outside perception, though, Biff Poggi believed he’d upgraded his roster by bringing in former P4 players from the likes of Clemson, Texas A&M, Auburn, Michigan, and Tennessee. Florida transfer Max Brown came in with the expectation of starting at QB.
Unfortunately, it seems many of those new additions will be on the sidelines in Week 1.
Biff Poggi said nearly 50% of his starters are hurt.
He noted that it could take the roster weeks to get back to health, suggesting the issues could linger throughout September into meetings with North Carolina and Indiana.
Biff Poggi opened his availability stating that Charlotte is down nearly 50% of their starters ahead of Week 1.
Not good news for the 49ers. pic.twitter.com/CX7VYkoWHL
— Hunter Bailey (@Hunter_Bailey45) August 27, 2024
Poggi says that 8-9 guys are injured just days ahead of the season opener.
Not an ideal situation!
The head coach took responsibility for his role in the setbacks, giving himself an “F-minus” in terms of keeping guys healthy in camp. He noted that in attempts to prepare his team physically for a JMU bunch that’s been successful of late, he was “a little overzealous” in his approach.
As it stands, the Charlotte 49ers football team will have the odds stacked against them on opening day. We’ll see if they’re able to overcome the injuries and keep the game competitive.