The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers football team is gearing up for a crucial matchup against Appalachian State following a challenging loss to the Georgia Southern Eagles. With a current record of 3-2 this season, the Chants are determined to bounce back and regain their winning momentum. However, several key issues need addressing, including their rush defense and the performance of star quarterback Grayson McCall under the guidance of new head coach Tim Beck.
One glaring concern for the Chanticleers this season has been their rush defense, which has allowed opponents to average 164 rushing yards per game. This issue has been a focal point of concern for the coaching staff as they prepare for upcoming matchups. Strengthening the defense against the run will be a priority in their quest to turn things around.
The most surprising aspect of the Chanticleers' 2023 campaign has been the performance of Grayson McCall. The three-time Sun Belt Player of the Year has seen a drop in his completion percentage from 69% in 2022 to 64% this year. Additionally, McCall has already thrown six interceptions, compared to just two in the previous season. A significant change for McCall has been the shift from the spread option offense under former coach Jamey Chadwell to a pro-style offense led by Coach Tim Beck. Despite his recent struggles, Coach Beck remains confident in McCall and attributes many of the interceptions to offensive miscommunication.
Head Coach Tim Beck inherited a tough schedule for his first season with the Chanticleers. The team faced a cross-country trip to UCLA at the start of the season, which disrupted their preparation for subsequent games. They also dealt with Thursday night games and will soon play on a Tuesday night against Appalachian State, a scheduling anomaly that has presented unique challenges.
While the Chanticleers look to get back on track, they face an Appalachian State team that has had its own share of struggles. The Mountaineers, historically known for their stout defense, have allowed an average of 30.8 points per game this season, a departure from their past defensive dominance. Their defensive line has been a point of vulnerability, allowing nearly 200 rushing yards per game.
For the Mountaineers, junior quarterback Joey Aguilar's performance under center will be crucial in their quest to secure a win against Coastal Carolina. Aguilar has shown promise but has also faced challenges due to his inexperience. With 1,225 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and five interceptions through five games, he's had his ups and downs. The decision to stick with Aguilar or turn to redshirt freshman Ryan Burger, when he recovers from injury, will be pivotal.
Appalachian State's offensive focus remains on junior running back Nate Noel, who has consistently surpassed 100 rushing yards in every game this season, accumulating 651 rushing yards in total. The offensive line's role in creating rushing lanes for Noel cannot be understated. Ensuring a stable quarterback situation is crucial for the Mountaineers to maintain their offensive rhythm.
The Mountaineers have had their share of close games, going 1-2 in one-score games in 2023. These tight contests highlight their potential, and they aim to improve their record in close matches as the season progresses.
As Coastal Carolina prepares for a challenging matchup against Appalachian State, they face an opponent that has its own set of struggles and uncertainties. The Chanticleers are determined to address their defensive shortcomings and support Grayson McCall as he adjusts to a new offensive system under Coach Tim Beck. With both teams looking to bounce back and regain momentum, their Tuesday night showdown promises to be a competitive and hard-fought battle. Coastal Carolina's journey to redemption continues, and with the talent and determination they possess, there's every reason to believe they can turn their season around.
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