CHARLOTTE — Last year’s meeting between Gardner-Webb and Charlotte was a shootout. The 49ers scored on three consecutive plays on offense as part of a 29-point fourth quarter against the Running Bulldogs. After being down by three touchdowns at the start of the final quarter, the 49ers rallied for a 53-51 win.
“I think we were down 21 going into the fourth quarter, and it just happened I guess,” offensive lineman Danny Book said. “…That was probably one of the more memorable games from last year.”
After winning its first three games of the year, Charlotte (3-2) is coming off back-to-back seven-point losses. The 49ers fell to Elon 20-13 on the road, and they lost 47-41 in overtime to Charleston Southern a week ago at home.
Lambert said a fast start in practice this week will help the team get out of the gate better against Gardner-Webb.
Stopping Gardner-Webb receiver Kenny Cook, one of three senior receivers, will also be key for Charlotte. He leads the team with 58.3 yards per game and has scored twice this season.
“We know what kind of player Cook is,” Lambert said. “He showed us that last year.”
In 2013, Cook caught 10 passes for 132 yards against Charlotte. He scored twice in the first quarter as the the Niners fell behind 17-7.