Defense steps up late to lead FAU past Charlotte

By foxsports
Published

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Ocie Rose scored on a 60-yard interception return late in the fourth quarter to help Florida Atlantic beat Charlotte 17-7 on Saturday night.

Rose and Cre'von LeBlanc finished with two interceptions apiece. Sharrod Neasman and Jalen Young also had interceptions for Florida Atlantic (1-3, 1-0 Conference USA).

Jaquez Johnson ran for a 14-yard touchdown, and Greg Joseph kicked a 45-yard field goal to give the Owls a 10-0 halftime lead. Johnson was 14 of 25 with 144 yards passing with two interceptions.

Tank Norman picked off a Johnson pass and returned it 28 yards into the end zone to pull Charlotte to 10-7 with 10:58 left. The Owls sealed it when Rose scored with 1:28 remaining.

Kalif Phillips led the 49ers (2-2, 1-1) with 165 yards rushing on 29 carries.

It was Charlotte's first-ever Conference USA home game.