The Charlotte 49ers and the Florida Gators meet Saturday in college football action from Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Charlotte last played Georgia State over the weekend. In that one the 49ers lost by 16 points to fall to 1-2. As for Florida, they’re coming off a big matchup versus Tennessee. The Gators would end up bagging a stellar upset victory. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.

Charlotte 49ers

Charlotte’s season kicked off with a game versus South Carolina State. The 49ers played relatively well in that one, holding the Bulldogs to just 168 yards (59 passing) and eight first downs in a 24-3 win. In game two versus Maryland, the 49ers took their first loss of the season with a 38-20 result. Charlotte was up 14-0 early but didn’t score again until the fourth quarter. 

In the Georgia State game, the 49ers gave up points in every quarter on the way to a 41-25 loss. QB Trexler Ivey had 257 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Jalon Jones led the rush on 80 yards and a score, while Jack Hestera had 109 yards with a TD off seven catches. 

Charlotte 49ers Team Facts

Charlotte has lost 15 of its last 16 road games against non-conference opponents.
The road team has covered the spread in eight of Charlotte’s last 10 games.
Charlotte has won the first quarter in three of its last four road games against non-conference opponents.
Charlotte has lost the first half in 12 of its last 16 road games against non-conference opponents.
Seven of Charlotte’s last eight games in September have gone OVER the total points line.

Florida Gators 

Over on the Gators’ side, they had a tough matchup out of the gate this year against Utah. The Gators were stifled on offense with just 13 rush yards and 1-of-13 on third downs in a 24-11 loss. Game two was a much easier matchup for Florida. That one turned into a 49-7 blowout over McNeese State. The Gators notched 560 total yards (327 rushing) and 33 first downs in the victory. 

In the Tennessee game, the Gators jumped out to a 26-7 halftime lead thanks to 20 second-quarter points. Florida kept the Vols at bay from there in a 29-16 upset victory. QB Graham Mertz posted 166 yards with a score, and Trevor Etienne led the rushing attack with a whopping 172 yards and a touchdown off 23 carries. 

Florida Gators Team Facts

Florida has won each of its last 13 games against non-conference opponents at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Florida has failed to cover the spread in each of its last four games against opponents from the American Athletic Conference.
Florida has won the first quarter in three of its last four games against opponents from the American Athletic Conference.
Florida has won the first half in each of its last four games against non-conference opponents at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Eight of Florida’s last 10 September games as a home favorite have gone UNDER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

Florida ranked T23rd among FBS teams for Q1 points per game last season (8.2).
Florida ranked T25th among FBS teams for Q4 win percentage last season (.538).
Charlotte was one of only 17 FBS teams with a better road winning percentage (.333) than home winning percentage (.167) last season (min. 8 games).

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’ll stick with Florida. The Gators have played pretty well against comparable competition so far this year, and to be fair they’ve had some tricky games against tough opponents in their first trio of outings. Last weekend versus Tennessee, Florida generated 349 yards of offense (183 rushing), 5.2 yards per play and 22 first downs. The Gators took great care of the ball with zero turnovers and 37:28 in time of possession, neutralizing Tennessee by keeping their offense off the field. It was a great win, and unless Florida falls victim to a mighty dose of the proverbial big-win hangover the Gators should dominate in game four.