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Ranking the best college football programs in North Carolina

By Andrew Miller

Nov 10, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils cornerback Bryon Fields (14) breaks up a pass intended for North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Austin Proehl (7) in the end zone in the first half of their game at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 10, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils cornerback Bryon Fields (14) breaks up a pass intended for North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Austin Proehl (7) in the end zone in the first half of their game at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 5, 2016; Hattiesburg, MS, USA; Charlotte 49ers quarterback Hasaan Kluge (16) looks to throw against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles in the first half at M.M. Roberts Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Hattiesburg, MS, USA; Charlotte 49ers quarterback Hasaan Kluge (16) looks to throw against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles in the first half at M.M. Roberts Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Charlotte 49ers

2016 record: 4-8 (3-5 Conference USA)
Location: Charlotte, N.C.

The University of North Carolina-Charlotte just picked up an FBS program two seasons ago. The 49ers actually kicked off their inaugural FBS season in style in 2015 with two straight victories. However, those two victories came against sub par programs in the Georgia State Panthers and Presbyterian Blue Hose out of the FCS. Moreover, UNCC lost their final 10 games of the 2015 season.

That losing streak continued into the 2016 season until they defeated FCS and in-state opponent Elon. The 2016 season looked to be a lost cause as well until the 49ers picked up two impressive victories against the Marshall Thundering Herd and the Southern Miss Golden Eagles. Both Marshall and Southern Miss were bowl teams last year as well.

Considering the 49ers doubled their win total from 2015 to 2016, there’s hope that a bowl berth could be in the near future. A lot of pressure falls on the shoulders of redshirt sophomore quarterback Hasaan Klugh who played well down the stretch last season, including a three touchdown performance against Middle Tennessee.

There’s hope that Charlotte can become competitive among the FBS teams in North Carolina. They improved dramatically down the stretch last season. Furthermore, they have four very winnable games in their first five contests in 2017. The 49ers could very well become one of the better programs in North Carolina in the near future.

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