Last Thursday was a night to forget for the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers as they faced off against the Georgia State Panthers at home. On national television, Coastal Carolina stumbled, losing the game 30-17 in front of their devoted fans. It was a tough pill to swallow for a team that had gained notoriety for its impressive performances in recent years. However, as any sports enthusiast knows, resilience is a defining trait of champions, and the Chanticleers are determined to bounce back from this adversity.
One of the significant changes this season for Coastal Carolina has been the shift in offensive strategy. Under the guidance of former head coach Jamey Chadwell, the Chanticleers heavily relied on a run-heavy spread option offense, running the ball on a staggering 57% of their offensive plays. Now, under the leadership of Tim Beck, the offense has transitioned to a more balanced approach, with passing accounting for 54% of their plays.
This transition has not been without its challenges, particularly for star quarterback Grayson McCall. McCall had thrived in Chadwell's system, earning a reputation as one of the most efficient passers in the country, boasting impressive statistics in yards per attempt and passing grades. However, his numbers have dipped since the shift in offensive philosophy, though he is still averaging a respectable 7.8 yards per attempt and maintains an above-average PFF passing grade of 77.6.
Fortunately for Coastal Carolina, they now face an opportunity to get back on track. Their upcoming opponent, Georgia Southern, has shown weaknesses in their secondary this season, ranking outside the top 75 in Passing Success Rate Allowed and EPA/Pass Allowed while conceding an average of 7.7 yards per pass attempt. This could be the perfect opportunity for McCall and the Chanticleers' passing game to rebound and find their rhythm.
However, Georgia Southern is no pushover, especially on the offensive side of the ball. In Clay Helton's second year as head coach, the Eagles have soared to impressive rankings in both Passing and Rushing Success Rate, making them a potent force to be reckoned with.
Despite their offensive prowess, the Eagles have a glaring issue—inefficiency in converting scoring opportunities. Coastal Carolina's defense, while susceptible to yardage gains and struggles against the run, has excelled in preventing opponents from capitalizing on scoring opportunities, allowing only 2.0 points per scoring opportunity, a ranking that places them eighth in the nation in this critical category. This defensive strength could prove invaluable in containing Georgia Southern's high-flying offense.
As the Chanticleers prepare to face the Eagles, they find themselves in a unique position. The market sentiment is favoring Georgia Southern after their resounding 40-3 victory over Ball State, while Coastal Carolina's recent loss has cast some doubts. However, with two extra days of rest and preparation, the Chanticleers have an excellent opportunity to prove their resilience and skill on the field.
Coastal Carolina Chanticleers are ready to put their tough loss behind them and bounce back stronger than ever. Grayson McCall and the offense have a chance to exploit Georgia Southern's vulnerable secondary, while their defense's ability to prevent opponents from capitalizing on scoring opportunities could be a game-changer. With all three projection models in agreement, the Chanticleers at +7 appear to be an enticing bet for those looking to back a team on the rise. Don't count Coastal Carolina out just yet; they have the talent and determination to surprise everyone and emerge victorious in this upcoming clash.
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