Charlotte 49ers Victorious in First Game in School History

Sep 22, 2012; College Station, TX, USA; General view of a pylon on the field in the second quarter between the Marshall Thundering Herd and Rice Owls at Rice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

One of the many things that we enjoyed about our opening Saturday in college football for 2013–as we’re reminded every year around this time–was seeing the traditions. This fact was no more evident than when ABC treated us into an inside look at Clemson’s famed Howard’s Rock tradition prior to their showdown with the Georgia Bulldogs. A lot of the programs that we watched yesterday have their own unique traditions such as that because they’ve developed them over many years of being involved with college football.

Not the Charlotte 49ers however, as they took the field on Saturday for their first game in program history. It was a game that their fans and alumni–who have long awaited for the moment–were guaranteed to enjoy. Their inaugural football team made sure of that. ‘

In front of 16,630 football-thirsty fans inside Richardson Stadium, the 49ers routed Campbell 52-7 in their first ever football contest. Their defense was stifling, their offense was consistently in rhythm and their energy was off the charts–for obvious reasons. Basically, you would never have known that this was a program that was taking the field for the first time in history.

Brad Lambert, the school’s first head coach, was more than pleased with the effort when speaking to the Charolotte Observer:

"“You couldn’t have written it out any better,” said Lambert, also a winner in his first game as a head coach. “So many people have put so much into this, it’s all pretty humbling.”"

Quarterback Matt Johnson was stellar in this one as he tossed for 282 yards on 19-of-29 passing and three touchdowns. He led an offense that showed all sorts of versatility and consistency as they had four receivers finish with double digits in receiving yards and six rushers finish with double digits on the ground. They were basically the definition of a balanced attack.

This was merely the beginning of a journey for the 49ers that will eventually land them in Conference USA come 2015. For these first two seasons of existence, they’re going to compete as an independent on the FCS level.

If Saturday’s initial performance was any indicator, this program will be more than ready to make the leap to the big time when 2015 rolls around.

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Jack is a Staff Writer for Saturday Blitz. Follow Jack on Twitter @JackJ14CFB