As Tim Beck gears up for his second season at the helm of Coastal Carolina, the Chanticleers face a pivotal moment in their football journey. Beck, who stepped into the spotlight after a slow start, now finds himself tasked with navigating a young team through a crucial transition period. With former quarterback Grayson McCall and other key players who once propelled Coastal to national recognition no longer in the picture, Beck must carve out a fresh identity for the team on the teal turf.
Describing Coastal Carolina's 2023 season as "erratic" would be an understatement. The Chanticleers began their campaign with a disappointing loss at UCLA but found their rhythm with two consecutive wins. This momentum was short-lived, as they stumbled through a cycle of alternating victories and defeats: win two, lose two, win five, lose two. Each of their eight victories came when they managed to score at least 24 points, highlighting their need to capitalize on offensive opportunities. A glaring issue was their red zone efficiency, where they scored touchdowns on only 26 of their 54 trips.
One of the bright spots last season was the emergence of Kansas transfer quarterback Ethan Vasko. As the season progressed, Vasko seized more playing time, demonstrating his potential by throwing seven touchdown passes with just one interception in his final four games. His adept handling of Beck's RPO schemes earned him a shot at the starting job, but he faces stiff competition from Michigan State transfer Noah Kim. The outcome of this quarterback battle could significantly influence the Chanticleers' offensive strategy.
The offense will lean heavily on Braydon Bennett, the leading rusher returning with 407 yards and five touchdowns from last season. With Jameson Tucker, who had the highest returning receiving yardage (423 yards), Beck's offense will need to cultivate new stars in the receiving corps. The ability of these new players to step up will be critical if Coastal aims to maintain its offensive potency.
Defensively, the Chanticleers are in a rebuilding phase, having lost their top three tacklers from last year. Safety Juan Powell, the leading returning tackler with 55, will anchor a defense that needs reinforcements, especially on the front line. The defense’s ability to handle passing attacks was notable, as they picked off 14 passes—the second-highest in the league—but their vulnerability against the run and reliance on a “bend but don’t break” approach leaves room for improvement. Matthew McDoom’s return, after breaking up 10 passes and earning All-Sun Belt honorable mention honors, will bolster the secondary.
On special teams, consistency in placekicking was a highlight, with Kade Hensley and Liam Gray going a perfect 43-for-43 on extra points. However, the Chants must find a new punter after Evan Crenshaw’s transfer. Ja’Vin Simpkins, the primary return man last season, and McDoom, who handled those duties as a freshman, offer reliable options for the return game.
For Coastal Carolina to clinch a fifth straight bowl appearance, Beck must weave these new threads into a cohesive unit. Developing young talent, refining their offensive execution, and shoring up defensive gaps are pivotal. As Beck and his staff strive to shape their legacy, the 2024 season stands as a defining chapter for Coastal Carolina—a chance to establish a renewed identity and build a foundation for future success.
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