DURHAM, N.C. (AP) — For all its early offense, Charlotte needed interception by Tank Norman in the final two minutes to stave off a furious fourth-quarter rally and beat North Carolina Central 40-28 Saturday night.

Charlotte (3-0) scored on its first play, a 65-yard pass from Matt Johnson to Austin Duke 17 seconds into the game, and racked up a 40-0 lead on the Eagles (1-2). But then the 49ers defensive string of seven consecutive scoreless quarters fell apart in a big way as NC Central reeled off 28 points.

Malcolm Bell hit Adrian Wilkins from the 28 and Jeremy Thompson returned an interception 26 yards for a TD to quick-start the comeback.

Bell, who passed for 337 yards and two TDs was driving again at 1:57 when Norman picked him off. The 49ers were able to hold the ball until 3 seconds remained.

Khalif Phillips rushed for 104 yards and two Charlotte TDs.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.