Coastal Carolina Head Coach Tim Beck receives a Gatorade Shower after winning his first game as Head Coach
Myrtle Beach, SC - September 10, 2023
After a disappointing week one loss to UCLA, the Coastal Carolina football team came roaring back with an exhilarating win in front of their passionate fans, beating Jacksonville State 30-16. Coastal Carolina's journey to redemption was marked by resilience, a spectacular second-half surge, and a first victory for Coach Tim Beck.
The game started with Coastal Carolina getting the ball first. Reese White, an emerging star, made a crucial first-down reception on a check-down pass. The drive culminated in running back Braydon Bennett bulldozing his way into the end zone, giving the Chants their first touchdown of the 2023 season.
Jacksonville State, meanwhile, aimed to establish their run game but found themselves in the red zone on two occasions in the opening quarter, only managing to scrape together three points. Coastal's defense, led by linebacker Shane Bruce with 11 total tackles, displayed a bend-but-don't-break mentality, denying the Gamecocks critical end-zone entries.
The weather threw a curveball at both teams, with a 45-minute rain delay disrupting the flow of the game. Coastal Carolina quarterback Grayson McCall initially struggled to find his rhythm in the first quarter, while the defense grappled with Jacksonville State's tricky RPO (Run-Pass Option) offense. Fortunately for the Chants, the Gamecocks' red-zone woes kept them from capitalizing fully.
Offensive line issues tested Coastal's resolve early in the first half, with McCall having little time to make plays. Yet, the Chants' defense continued to show heart, thwarting the Gamecocks' scoring attempts.
While Coastal's offense missed some opportunities, wide receiver Sam Pinckney stepped up, hauling in four catches for 63 yards. A false start penalty on a crucial 4th-and-1 play forced the Chants to settle for a field goal, taking a one-point lead with just one minute left in the first half.
The second half saw Coastal Carolina's offense gain momentum. Coastal's special teams played a pivotal role, recovering a kickoff and granting excellent field position, which led to more field goals, extending their lead to 16-9.
The defining moment of the game came when McCall connected with Jared Brown again, this time on a 48-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter, stretching the Chants' lead to 23-9. Jacksonville State made a quarterback change, but the Chants' defense looked revitalized, holding the Gamecocks at bay.
In a late-third-quarter fumble, the Gamecocks gifted Coastal the ball on their 45-yard line. Coastal's offense gelled beautifully in the third, highlighted by Jared Brown's spectacular 77-yard sweep, sealing their dominance. Although Jacksonville State managed to narrow the gap with a touchdown, Coastal held firm on a crucial 4th down.
McCall redeemed himself from the previous week's performance, finishing 21-of-29 with 268 yards and a touchdown. Jared Brown was the star of the show, accumulating a staggering 170 all-purpose yards. The defense notched three sacks and a fumble recovery, including one on special teams.
The game was a tale of two halves, but after halftime, the Chants figured it out offensively, showcasing their mettle. Coach Tim Beck celebrated his first win as head coach with the traditional Gatorade shower, and the Chanticleers ignited their 2023 campaign with an electrifying victory.
Coastal Carolina will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming home game against the Duquesne Dukes, aiming to maintain their winning ways.
Comments