CONWAY, SC - The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers put on an absolute clinic on Saturday night, dismantling the Duquesne Dukes with a resounding 66-7 victory that showcased their prowess in all facets of the game. After a somewhat shaky start to the season, the Chants were determined to get back on track, and boy, did they ever.
One of the most noticeable improvements for the Chanticleers was their running game. In the first two games of the season, they struggled to find their footing, averaging a mere 2.4 yards per carry. However, against the Dukes, it was a completely different story. Coastal Carolina churned out an impressive 241 yards on the ground, boasting a remarkable 6-yard average. What's even more impressive is that this was a collective effort, with touchdowns on the ground coming from a quartet of talented running backs: Braydon Bennett, Ja'Vin Simpkins, CJ Beasley, and Max Balthazar.
The Chants also demonstrated their effectiveness in the red zone, going 7-8, turning nearly every scoring opportunity into points. Their dominance started on the defensive end, as they thwarted the Dukes' opening drive, setting the tone for the rest of the game. Receiver Jared Brown played a pivotal role by returning the ball 51 yards to set up the game's first touchdown, a beautiful 20-yard pass to tight end Kendall Carr.
However, the Chants' defense wasn't content with just stops; they put points on the board as well. Linebacker JT Killen showcased his playmaking abilities with a 30-yard pick-six, and safety Tobias Fletcher stole the show with a jaw-dropping 100-yard interception return for a touchdown, marking the longest punt return in Coastal Carolina football history.
Speaking of the defense, they were relentless in their pursuit of turnovers, amassing a total of four takeaways in this game alone. With these additions, they have now accumulated an impressive nine turnovers on the season.
Quarterback Grayson McCall had a relatively short night due to the blowout, but he still managed to make his presence felt, going 12-of-16 for 169 yards and two touchdowns. With the game well in hand, backup players like Jarrett Guest and Than Vasko got valuable playing time. Guest even threw for a score, and Vasko had an electrifying 41-yard run that had the crowd on their feet.
Looking ahead, the Chanticleers have a crucial conference matchup on Thursday night against Georgia State. If they can carry the momentum from this dominant win forward, they'll undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with in the conference and beyond.
Coastal Carolina's 66-7 victory over the Duquesne Dukes was nothing short of impressive. They showcased their improved running game, red-zone efficiency, and a tenacious defense that created turnovers and found the end zone. With their sights set on the future, the Chants are ready to take on all challengers and make a statement in the world of college football.
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