The Charlotte 49ers football program played its first season as an FCS independent in 2013 and joined Conference USA after moving up to the FBS level. On September 3, 2015, the team played its first official game against the Georgia State Panthers at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. The game was broadcast on ESPNU. Despite a late rally in the fourth quarter, the 49ers lost the game 23-20 in overtime. Quarterback Matt Johnson threw for 282 yards and two touchdowns in the loss, while running back Kalif Phillips rushed for 82 yards and a touchdown. The game marked a milestone for the Charlotte 49ers football program and marked the first official game for the team at the FBS level, paving the way for a new era of football for UNC Charlotte.