Coastal Carolina's offense came alive Saturday night at Brooks Stadium, as the Chanticleers overcame an early deficit to secure a 45-37 victory over Old Dominion in a thrilling Sun Belt Conference opener. Led by quarterback Ethan Vasko's precision passing and Braydon Bennett's versatile performance, Coastal surged back after falling behind 17-7 late in the first half, ultimately outlasting a late Monarch rally.
With the win, Coastal Carolina improved to 4-1 overall and 1-0 in Sun Belt play, continuing their dominance at home, having now won 24 of their last 29 games at Brooks Stadium.
Coastal quarterback Ethan Vasko showed poise and talent throughout the game, finishing 19-of-26 for 367 yards and three touchdowns. His impressive accuracy, combined with key contributions from the receiving corps, helped Coastal rack up crucial points, particularly during a stunning stretch of 28 unanswered points that turned the tide of the game. Vasko's chemistry with Cameron Wright was undeniable, as Wright hauled in four receptions for 148 yards, including a critical 32-yard catch that set up an early score.
Bennett, too, was a standout for the Chanticleers, scoring three times—twice on the ground and once through the air. His four-yard touchdown run in the third quarter gave Coastal a commanding 35-17 lead, providing enough cushion to withstand Old Dominion’s fourth-quarter comeback attempt.
Old Dominion started off strong, jumping to a 17-7 lead in the second quarter. Redshirt freshman quarterback Colton Joseph, filling in for the injured Grant Wilson, showcased his potential, passing for 262 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for 68 yards and a score. Joseph impressed with both his arm and his ability to extend plays with his legs, frequently escaping Coastal’s defensive pressure.
Despite the promising start, ODU’s momentum stalled following a costly fumble late in the second quarter, which was returned by Coastal’s Jerome Powell for a touchdown. This mistake was a key turning point, as the Chanticleers seized the opportunity and didn’t look back.
The Monarchs, trailing by 18 at one point, refused to quit, with Joseph finding Diante Vines for a 40-yard touchdown to cut Coastal’s lead to 35-24. The Monarchs struck again when Devin Roche powered his way into the end zone, narrowing the deficit to 35-30 in the fourth quarter. However, the Chanticleers responded with Vasko connecting with Bennett for a 37-yard touchdown that restored a 42-30 advantage. A late Monarch score trimmed it to 45-37, but Coastal's recovery of an onside kick sealed the game.
While the offense shined, Coastal's defense also played a pivotal role, capitalizing on Old Dominion’s errors and standing strong when it mattered most. Jerome Powell’s fumble recovery and subsequent touchdown turned the game around, giving Coastal a critical boost just before halftime.
ODU faced several injuries, particularly on the defensive side, which weakened their ability to contain Coastal’s explosive attack in the second half. Nevertheless, Coastal capitalized on every opportunity, showcasing their depth and resilience throughout the game.
The Chanticleers' victory over Old Dominion came down to seizing momentum and executing key plays when the game was on the line. Head coach Tim Beck praised his players for maintaining composure and taking control of the game after falling behind early. Vasko's calm under pressure, combined with Bennett's versatility, provided Coastal with a balanced attack that proved too much for ODU to handle.
Tray Taylor and Jameson Tucker were also instrumental in Coastal's offensive success, combining for six catches and 133 yards. Their ability to stretch the field gave Vasko options throughout the game and forced ODU’s defense to spread thin, ultimately opening up opportunities for Coastal's running game.
With this win, Coastal Carolina kicks off their Sun Belt campaign with an impressive performance, demonstrating both resilience and firepower. The Chanticleers will look to continue their momentum as they aim for a strong run in conference play, positioning themselves as contenders in the Sun Belt.
For Old Dominion, the loss was disappointing but showcased the potential of young quarterback Colton Joseph. Head Coach Ricky Rahne remained optimistic, pointing to the team’s effort and the promise of a more polished performance in the future. The Monarchs (1-4) will need to iron out the mistakes, particularly as they prepare for a challenging stretch against Georgia State and Texas State.
Meanwhile, Coastal Carolina is riding high, proving yet again that Brooks Stadium remains a fortress for the Chanticleers. As Sun Belt play continues, Coastal fans have much to look forward to, with their team showing both grit and skill in their thrilling win over Old Dominion.
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