The atmosphere surrounding this noon matchup was special. Charlotte alumni, students and fans piled into Jerry Richardson Stadium with optimism, waiting to get a glimpse of Niners football in the aftermath of the Will Healy era.
The Hilltoppers had other plans.
Western Kentucky wasted no time getting on the board first. WKU elected to receive first, scoring in two plays, capped off by a 46-yard touchdown pass from QB Austin Reed to wide receiver Jaylen Hall.
The Niners did not have the same good fortune on their first drive. After facing continuous pressure, Chris Reynolds scrambled out of the pocket, throwing an off-balance pass that was intercepted by WKU cornerback Upton Stout.