WEST POINT, N.Y. — Cale Hellums ran for 143 yards and two touchdowns to lead Army to a 24–7 victory over Charlotte on Saturday afternoon at Michie Stadium, helping the Black Knights even their record at 3–3 overall and 2–2 in the American Conference.

Army controlled the game from start to finish behind its trademark ground attack, rushing for 304 yards on 64 carries while holding the 49ers (1–5, 0–3 American) to just 68 yards on the ground and 178 total. The Black Knights dominated time of possession nearly two-to-one (38 minutes to 22) and converted 8 of 14 third downs.

Hellums opened the scoring late in the first quarter with a 1-yard touchdown run that capped an 80-yard drive and later added another 1-yard plunge in the third quarter to give Army a 24–0 lead. Carson Smith contributed 37 yards and a 5-yard touchdown in the second quarter, while kicker Dawson Jones added a 38-yard field goal as time expired in the first half .

Charlotte’s lone score came in the final seconds when backup quarterback Grayson Loftis connected with Kaemen Hunter-Gibson for a 16-yard touchdown pass to avoid the shutout. Starter Zach Wilcke completed 8 of 14 passes for 42 yards, while Loftis went 8 of 12 for 68 yards and the touchdown. Running back Rod Gainey Jr. led the 49ers with 51 rushing yards on 19 carries.

Army’s defense limited Charlotte to just 11 first downs and forced a fumble deep in its own territory in the fourth quarter to preserve the shutout bid. Linebacker Kalib Fortner recorded seven tackles and a forced fumble, while end Eric Ford had a sack and two quarterback pressures.

The Black Knights methodically wore down Charlotte’s defense with long, sustained drives — including a 17-play, 85-yard march that lasted nearly 11 minutes in the second quarter and a 54-yard drive for Hellums’ second touchdown. In all, Army ran 70 plays to Charlotte’s 55 and outgained the 49ers 354–178.

Linebacker Reid Williford paced Charlotte defensively with a game-high 17 tackles, including five solo stops.