CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Benny LeMay rushed for 159 yards and a school record-tying four touchdowns, but it wasn't enough offense for Charlotte as they fell to Florida International 42-35 Saturday at Jerry Richardson Stadium.

The loss means the 49ers can do no better than finish 5-7, one win shy of bowl eligibility.

Charlotte put up a season's high 534 yards of offense, but defensively they couldn't stop the Panthers, who put for 490 yards and showed why they are the top offense in Conference USA. Trailing the 49ers 14-13 in the 2nd quarter, FIU's Napoleon Alexander ran for a 39-yard touchdown to grab the lead for good at 20-14.

FIU opened the third quarter by adding another touchdown and Charlotte played catch-up the rest of the way.

"No matter how you shake it out it's always a touch locker room when you have to look those seniors in the eye and we didn't get to where we wanted to go," said Charlotte Head Coach Brad Lambert.

"I wanted it so bad for these seniors," said LeMay, a junior. "I've been playing with these guys for about three years now so, it probably meant a lot more for that (getting the win) than even a bowl game."

Charlotte senior quarterback Hasaan Klugh started on Senior Day and was 16-22 for 253 yards with a touchdown and interception. Freshman receiver Victor Tucker had four catches for 115 yards.

The 49ers are now 4-7 and will end the season next Saturday at Florida Atlantic.