In a cross-country clash that spanned over 2,500 miles, the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers opened their 2023 college football season with a hard-fought battle against the UCLA Bruins at the iconic Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. While the Chants showed glimpses of their potential, they ultimately succumbed to the Bruins, with a final score of 27-13.
The game started with UCLA taking control of the ball, and quarterback Ethan Garbers wasted no time, delivering a 21-yard touchdown strike to tight end Carsen Ryan. It was a quick start for the Bruins, but Coastal Carolina's resilient spirit was evident throughout the match.
Despite being on the road, the Chants had their opportunities. They managed to march down the field on two consecutive possessions, although they were only able to secure three points. The first two drives for the Chants ended in missed field goals, leaving points on the board that could have shifted the momentum in their favor. However, one standout performance for Coastal Carolina was safety Clayton Isbell, a transfer from Utah, who had a remarkable three interceptions during the game.
Coastal Carolina's star quarterback, Grayson McCall, had a challenging night against UCLA's relentless defense. UCLA's speed and the presence of All-American defensive lineman Laiatu Latu, who recorded two sacks, made life difficult for McCall. Nevertheless, McCall displayed flashes of brilliance, often connecting with his favorite target, Sam Pinckney. Pinckney's stellar performance included nine receptions for 139 yards and a touchdown. McCall ended the night going 27 for 42 with 271 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.
Throughout the game, the Chanticleers managed to keep the score close. It was not until UCLA's head coach, Chip Kelly, decided to make a quarterback switch in the mid-third quarter that the Bruins gained momentum. Enter Dante Moore, the highly touted true freshman who was ranked as the number two quarterback coming out of high school. Moore brought a spark to the Bruins' offense, finishing 7 for 12 with 143 yards and two touchdowns, including an impressive 62-yard pass to wide receiver Michael Sturdivant.
This matchup marked the debut of Coastal Carolina's new head coach, Tim Beck, and despite the loss, there were positive takeaways for the Chants. Coastal Carolina's defensive end, Michael Mason, was disruptive throughout the game, tallying seven tackles and half a sack, showcasing the potential of the Chanticleers' defense.
While it was a tough opening night for Coastal Carolina, the Chants remain a force to be reckoned with in the Sun Belt conference, led by the three-time Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year, Grayson McCall. The loss to UCLA serves as a valuable learning experience, and with the season ahead, there's plenty of football left for the Chanticleers to showcase their talents and strive for success in 2023. Coastal Carolina next game will be against Jacksonville State Saturday September 9th in Conway South Carolina.
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