BOCA RATON, Fla. — In a thrilling clash between two teams led by newly appointed interim coaches, Charlotte emerged victorious over Florida Atlantic with a score of 39-27 on Saturday. The game featured a pivotal moment when Deshawn Purdie connected with O’Mega Blake on a 47-yard touchdown pass, propelling Charlotte ahead in the contest.

Charlotte, now with a record of 4-7 and 3-4 in the American Athletic Conference, recently dismissed head coach Biff Poggi, allowing Tim Brewster to step in as the new leader. On the other side, FAU, which holds a 2-9 record and is winless at 0-7 in conference play, also made a coaching change by letting go of Tom Herman and appointing Chad Lunsford as his replacement.

Blake had an impressive performance, securing five receptions for a total of 205 yards, marking a career high, with one notable catch being a 75-yard touchdown. Purdie’s passing game was strong as well; he completed 16 of his 30 attempts, amassing a career-high 396 yards and contributing three touchdowns, albeit with one interception. The rushing game for Charlotte was largely subdued, yielding only 46 yards on the ground, while Stephen Rusnak made a significant impact with four successful field goals.

FAU’s quarterback, Tyriq Starks, completed 12 out of 23 passes for 179 yards. He managed to throw a 65-yard touchdown pass to Omari Hayes just before the end of the third quarter, bringing the Owls within six points of the 49ers. Early in the fourth quarter, CJ Campbell made a substantial contribution, rushing for a touchdown and helping Florida Atlantic to briefly take a 27-26 lead. Campbell’s overall performance included 150 yards on 21 carries, showcasing his effectiveness in the backfield.