Owls still have much to play for

Rice is looking to open with three consecutive wins in a series for the first time as a member of Conference USA when the Owls face Charlotte. This is the last of four consecutive homecoming games involving Rice (3-5).

Both teams are 2-2 in the league and coming off losses. In season nine of Charlotte football, seven at the FBS level, the 49ers are looking for their first start of 5-4 or better.

FIVE THINGS TO WATCH Can Rice bounce back?

1 The Owls suffered a tough 30-24 overtime loss to North Texas in last week’s homecoming. The Mean Green came in on a six-game skid, while Rice was riding high after a 30-24 win at UAB. The Owls, who are in the middle of the pack in the West standings, are still a confident team. It’s a group that recovered to win at UAB a week after losing at UTSA 45-0.

Jake Constantine to run the show

2 The Owls have started three different quarterbacks this season, and Jake Constantine will make his fourth start Saturday after previously getting the nod against Texas Southern, Southern Miss and at UTSA, going 2-1. Wiley Green is likely out for the season after hurting his ankle against North Texas. For the season, Constantine is 66-of-97 passing for 825 yards with five touchdowns and two interceptions.

Plenty at stake for both teams

3 To become bowl eligible, Rice must win three of its four remaining games. Riding a two-game skid, Charlotte must win two of its last four to achieve bowl eligibility for only the second time in program history. The 49ers are coming off blowout losses to FAU and Western Kentucky. Charlotte has been outscored 75-2 over the final 30 minutes in its four losses.

49ers’ Chris Reynolds a difference maker

4 From walk-on to school record setter, Charlotte quarterback Chris Reynolds makes the 49ers go. After missing last week’s 45-13 loss at Western Kentucky with an injury, he returned to practice this week. Reynolds hurt a finger on his throwing hand against Florida Atlantic. This season Reynolds has passed for 1,537 yards and 16 scores. Backing up Reynolds is Texas A&M transfer James Foster.

Charlotte excels on special teams

5 Led by Shadrick Byrd, Charlotte leads C-USA in kickoff return average at 25.4 yards per return. The 49ers are also No. 1 in the league in punt return defense at 4.50 yards per return. Jonathan Cruz connected on a 56-yard field goal at Western Kentucky and is 5-of-6 from 50 or more yards in his career. Bailey Rice is averaging 41.6 yards a punt.