How to watch Memphis’ early game against Charlotte

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After an open date last weekend, Memphis returns to action on Saturday for its first conference game of the season against Charlotte. The Tigers enter conference play with a 3-1 record, while the 49ers are searching for their first win after an 0-4 start.

Tim Albin is in his second season as Charlotte’s head coach, but he’s off to a 1-15 start after his team went 1-11 in his first year with the program. The 49ers have struggled on both sides of the ball, and they’re averaging only 19.5 points per game.

Senior Cole Gonzales has started all four games, and he has recorded 729 yards, three touchdowns and six interceptions. His top receiver has been senior Jaden Barnes, who has 239 yards on 25 receptions.

As a team, Charlotte has rushed for 421 yards and five touchdowns, and sophomore Khamani Alexander leads the team with 176 yards and three touchdowns on 38 attempts.

Defensively, the 49ers have allowed 386.8 yards per game and 36 points per game. Linebacker Gavin Willis leads the team with 29 tackles.

Charlotte has recorded only two interceptions this year, and cornerback Collin Gill, who has 27 tackles on the year, returned one of them for a touchdown.

Here’s a look at how to watch Memphis’ first conference game against the 49ers:

TV: N/A

Stream: ESPN+

Radio: 98.9 The Roar of Memphis

Time: 10:00 a.m. CT

Line: Memphis -20.5

Total: 52.5

What to watch for in the Tigers’ game against Charlotte:

Memphis didn’t play last week after wrapping up its four-game non-conference slate in week 3 with a 45-21 win over UT Martin. Both Charles Huff and Marcus Stokes talked about how the team tried to add elements to the offense throughout non-conference play, and it will be interesting to see how they look in their first conference game.

There’s a good chance weather plays a large role in this game, and it could be a game where the Tigers are forced to rely on the run-game. Memphis has rushed for 964 yards and seven touchdowns through four games, and Jaylin Carter has 437 yards and six touchdowns.

The run-game has been bottled up over the last two games, but Huff’s team should be able to get things going against a defense that has struggled against the run. There’s a good chance that the 49ers’ defense could see a lot of Carter, Manny Covey and maybe even extended run from Dallan Hayden.

The Tigers haven’t played in these types of conditions yet this season, and it will be interesting to see how Stokes is able to move the ball through the air.

Defensively, Memphis should have a lot of success against Charlotte, and this could be an opportunity for the secondary to record some takeaways. All four of the Tigers’ interceptions came in week 1 against Arkansas State, but the 49ers have shown the ability to get lose with their ball security.

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