Marcus Williams Jr. and Camerun Peoples both turned in 100-yard days on the ground to propel the Mountaineers to a 35-20 victory over Charlotte. Following a Mountaineer turnover deep in their own territory, the 49ers had a chance to tie the game with five minutes to play, but the Appalachian defense tightened when it mattered most.
The Mountaineers dominated in total yardage, out-gaining the 49ers 512 to 286 on a rainy, fan-less afternoon in Boone. Three turnovers, two of which came in the red zone, kept things close late into the fourth quarter.
The first turnover came on the Mountaineers' first possession, which looked as if it would result in a walk-in touchdown.