The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (5-5, 2-4 Sun Belt) return to Brooks Stadium this Saturday with their postseason hopes hanging in the balance. Following a disappointing 31-19 loss to Marshall, the Chanticleers need one more victory to secure bowl eligibility. Standing in their way are the Georgia Southern Eagles (6-4, 4-2 Sun Belt), who are also fighting to rebound after a surprising loss to Troy.
The Chanticleers’ setback at Marshall highlighted some of the team’s ongoing struggles. Despite opening with a strong touchdown drive capped by a Brayden Bennett four-yard run, Coastal Carolina couldn’t maintain momentum, allowing 17 unanswered points, including a game-changing 65-yard blocked field goal returned for a touchdown. Late-game heroics by Ethan Vasko and Jameson Tucker brought the Chants closer, but the deficit proved insurmountable.
"We played well at times, but we didn’t capitalize on key moments," said head coach Tim Beck in Wednesday’s press conference. "Mistakes like the blocked field goal and turnovers inside our own territory cost us big."
Despite the loss, Coastal’s defense showed resilience, limiting Marshall’s high-powered rushing attack to just 32 yards on 35 attempts, well below their Sun Belt-leading average of 239.2 yards per game. Meanwhile, Vasko continued to impress under center, throwing for 267 yards and a touchdown, pushing his season total past 1,800 yards.
With the season winding down, the Chanticleers recognize the urgency of Saturday’s matchup against Georgia Southern. A win would not only ensure bowl eligibility but also give Coastal momentum heading into their season finale. For several players, including seniors participating in their final game at Brooks Stadium, the stakes are especially high.
"It’s emotional for these guys," Beck said, reflecting on Senior Day traditions. "They’ve put so much into this program. Bowl eligibility would be a fitting reward for their hard work and dedication."
Georgia Southern, coming off a surprising 28-20 loss to a struggling Troy team, won’t make it easy for the Chanticleers. The Eagles boast a balanced offense and a defense capable of making key stops, as evidenced by their victories earlier this season. However, they’ve shown vulnerabilities, particularly on third downs, where they allowed Troy to convert 11 of 14 attempts last week.
For Coastal, the game plan is clear: capitalize on opportunities and limit mistakes. The Chanticleers have shown they can compete with anyone in the conference, but consistency has been a recurring issue. With a home crowd behind them, they hope to rise to the occasion.
"This team knows what’s at stake," Beck said. "We’ve faced adversity all season, and I believe we’ll respond."
Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. at Brooks Stadium, with the Chanticleers entering as 2.5-point favorites. A win would not only make them bowl-eligible but also provide a chance to close out the season on a high note.
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