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Charlotte's Quick Strike Offense Stymies Football, 52-14

MSU Athletics

The quick-strike Charlotte football team scored on six drives of 90 seconds or less and defeated Morehead State 52-14 Saturday (Nov. 22) at Jerry Richardson Stadium.

The 49ers finished the season 5-6, while the Eagles concluded the 2014 campaign 4-8. It was Charlotte's final game at the Football Championship Subdivision independent level before moving to Conference USA next season.

The 49er defense picked off MSU sophomore quarterback Austin Gahafer on the Eagles' first three drives.

"That was a rough start for us, and I think maybe we took a step back on our execution today," Head Coach Rob Tenyer said. "But, we did have a few guys who made nice plays today, and I thought we played better as the game went along. Charlotte had a lot to do with us not playing so well. They are a good football team."

Kalif Phillips rushed for 187 yards on 18 carries and three touchdowns to pace Charlotte, which scored four touchdowns on drives of three plays or less. Charlotte also scored on a seven-play push which lasted just 1:29 and a 51-yard field goal. Damarrell Alexander added 107 yards on 11 carries with two scores on the ground.

Charlotte quarterback Lee McNeill was 11-of-26 for 193 yards and two touchdowns. The hosts built a 31-0 halftime lead and scored their final 21 in the third quarter.

Morehead State got on the board with an 18-yard TD pass from Gahafer to senior slot receiver Brandon Bornhauser in the third period. Gahafer also hit sophomore wideout Jake Raymond with a 16-yard scoring strike in the final quarter. Raymond finished the year tied for the team lead with six receiving scores. Bornhauser led the squad with 10 total touchdowns.

Raymond had six catches for 57 yards. Gahafer concluded his second collegiate campaign with 2,840 passing yards and 23 touchdowns.

Charlotte held a 493-298 advantage in total yards, including 300 rushing yards. Despite holding a decisive 41:06-17:57 lead in possession time and a season-high 99 offensive plays, the Eagles were 11-of-25 on third downs.

Today's contest marked the final one for nine MSU seniors.

"We wish those nine young men the very best in their futures," Tenyer said. "They will always be Eagles, and we know they helped us move this program closer to where we want it to be."

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