Sep 3, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte 49ers charge the field after the win over Duke Blue Devils at Jerry Richardson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
NCAABy Matt Clapp on

The Charlotte 49ers — a 6.5- point underdog — upset Duke 31-28 on Friday night for the first win over a Power Five opponent in program history.

Chris Reynolds completed 19-of-30 passes for 324 yards (10.8 AVG) and three touchdowns to lead Charlotte to the victory.

Charlotte trailed 28-24 in the final 40 seconds, when Reynolds found Shadrick Byrd for an 11-yard touchdown.

After the 49ers stopped Duke on the final play, students stormed the field.

Charlotte had never even hosted a Power Five team at Jerry Richardson Stadium before Friday night, and now they’ve beaten one. It’s a huge, potentially program-changing win for head coach Will Healy and the Charlotte program.

The 49ers face Gardner Webb, Georgia State, and Middle Tennessee over the next three games, before going on the road to face another Power Five team in Illinois on Oct. 2.

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About Matt Clapp

Matt is an editor at The Comeback. He attended Colorado State University, wishes he was Saved by the Bell's Zack Morris, and idolizes Larry David. And loves pizza and dogs because obviously.

He can be followed on Twitter at @Matt2Clapp (also @TheBlogfines for Cubs/MLB tweets and @DaBearNecess for Bears/NFL tweets), and can be reached by email at mclapp@thecomeback.com.

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