After a well-timed bye week, the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (4-3, 1-2 Sun Belt) are ready to hit the road to face the Troy Trojans (1-7) in a pivotal conference matchup on Saturday, November 2, at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Alabama. With both teams coming off recent losses, the Chanticleers will look to regain their momentum against a Troy team struggling to find footing this season.
The bye week couldn’t have come at a better time for Coastal, as changes are underway in the offensive department. Head coach Tim Beck announced the firing of offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Travis Trickett, who had led the Chanticleers’ offense for the past two years. Beck will assume both roles, bringing his extensive experience from top programs like Nebraska, Ohio State, and NC State into the Chanticleers’ offensive scheme. While this shift comes after two consecutive losses, Beck is optimistic that the adjustments will help the Chanticleers find their rhythm.
Trickett’s departure follows a season in which the offense ranks sixth in the Sun Belt with 396.4 yards per game, slightly down from last season's 416.2 yards. Beck expressed gratitude for Trickett’s dedication but said the change was essential for moving the program forward. “As head football coach, I believe this is best for our team,” Beck noted, highlighting the program’s commitment to elevating their offensive play.
One of the most intriguing storylines surrounding Coastal Carolina heading into Saturday’s game is the ongoing quarterback competition. Starting quarterback Ethan Vasko, who took over after four-year starter Grayson McCall’s transfer to NC State, found himself benched in their last outing against Louisiana. In his place, Michigan State transfer Noah Kim took the reins, completing 16-of-25 passes for 182 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Kim’s impressive debut has sparked questions about who will start against Troy, and Beck has yet to name a starter.
Vasko, though struggling with accuracy (52% completion rate), has contributed eight touchdowns with only four interceptions, showing potential but lacking the consistency Coastal’s offense needs. The competition between Vasko and Kim brings an element of uncertainty, but also opportunity, as both quarterbacks have shown flashes of brilliance that could give Coastal an edge.
Running back Braydon Bennett has been a reliable force in Coastal’s offense, most recently posting 132 yards on just 13 carries with an impressive 10.2 yards per attempt and a touchdown against Louisiana. He also added five catches for 22 yards and another score, showcasing his dual-threat ability. Bennett’s presence will be crucial, as the Chanticleers will likely rely on his playmaking ability to take pressure off their quarterback.
On the receiving end, Bryson Graves has emerged as a consistent contributor, averaging 18 yards per catch against Louisiana. His ability to stretch the field could be key against a Troy defense that allows 392 yards per game.
The Chanticleers' defense has faced its own challenges, surrendering an average of 416.3 yards per game and 31.6 points. Coastal’s passing defense, which allows 224.4 yards per game and ranks 77th in the FBS, will need to contain Troy’s Matthew Caldwell, who passed for 304 yards and two touchdowns in his last game. Coastal’s run defense has been even more vulnerable, ranking 117th nationally and allowing nearly 192 yards per game.
The defense will also be without key players, as defensive linemen Emmanuel Johnson and Will Whitson are out for the season. Whitson, who will take a redshirt year due to his injury, leaves a significant gap that younger players will need to fill. Despite these setbacks, the Chanticleers have shown resilience, with players rallying around the mantra of "next man up."
The Chanticleers are slight favorites, coming in with a -4.5 spread. This season, Coastal has averaged 31.9 points per game, and they are 3-0 when scoring more than Troy's defensive average of 28.3 points. When Coastal has put up more than 28 points, they’ve seen success, a trend they’ll look to continue Saturday. Conversely, Troy has struggled offensively, averaging just 20.5 points per game and 330.4 yards (ranking 112th in the FBS). This contrast positions Coastal Carolina with a clear opportunity to control the game, assuming they can capitalize on their offensive advantages and improve defensively.
With a renewed focus on offense, potential quarterback shake-ups, and an added week of preparation, the Chanticleers are primed to show what they can do against Troy. Running back Braydon Bennett’s confidence is palpable: "You are going to see," he said optimistically about the offense’s potential moving forward.
Coastal Carolina’s journey through the Sun Belt has had its share of bumps, but with Beck at the offensive helm and a crucial game ahead, the Chanticleers have everything they need to make a statement.
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