Coastal Carolina’s Chanticleers closed out a tumultuous season with a decisive 48-27 win over Georgia State, earning their sixth win to become bowl eligible. Led by quarterback Ethan Vasko, who dazzled with three touchdown passes and a rushing score, the Chanticleers reminded everyone why they’re a force to reckon with in the Sun Belt, even during an up-and-down campaign.
This wasn’t just any victory—it was a statement. After enduring injuries, inconsistent play, and a mid-season collapse following a 3-0 start, Coastal came to Atlanta with one goal: punch their ticket to a bowl game. And punch they did. Vasko, benched briefly in last week’s loss, roared back to form, completing 13 of 17 passes for 200 yards. His dual-threat capabilities kept Georgia State’s defense on its heels, while his confidence in receivers like Senika McKie and Kendall Karr paid off handsomely. McKie, in particular, shined, redeeming himself after a costly drop earlier in the season with two spectacular touchdown catches.
If Vasko was the maestro, the offensive line provided the orchestra. Coastal’s ground game exploded for 275 rushing yards, led by Christian Washington’s 124-yard performance. Even after losing primary running back Braydon Bennett to injury, the rushing attack didn’t miss a beat. Washington, whose season included a mid-year suspension, capped his return with one of his best games yet, embodying the team’s resilience.
For Coastal fans, this finale felt like a nostalgic flashback to the team’s early dominance. Head coach Tim Beck credited the team’s aggression and Thanksgiving break for the turnaround. “It’s been an up-and-down season,” Beck admitted. “But today, we played hard and played aggressive. That made all the difference.”
This aggression translated into offensive efficiency—something sorely lacking in previous weeks. Coastal converted five of six red zone trips into points, shaking off its bottom-half Sun Belt ranking in red-zone scoring percentage. The Chanticleers didn’t just move the ball; they dominated the trenches and capitalized on opportunities.
Georgia State, despite racking up 428 yards of offense, couldn’t keep pace. Six turnovers, including four interceptions and a fumble by quarterback Christian Veilleux, proved catastrophic. While the Panthers showed flashes of brilliance, like Freddie Brock’s 19-yard touchdown run, their inconsistency and Coastal’s opportunistic defense sealed their fate.
Vasko’s resurgence is a bright spot in Coastal’s season. Despite throwing an interception to Georgia State’s Jyron Gilmore, Vasko demonstrated poise and versatility, threading the needle to receivers and using his legs to extend plays. His chemistry with McKie and the offensive line’s dominant performance offer a glimmer of hope for the future.
With bowl eligibility secured for the fifth straight season, the Chanticleers have turned the page on a challenging chapter. The team’s performance against Georgia State isn’t just a win—it’s a reminder of what they’re capable of when they play to their potential. For Coastal Carolina, the season may have had its share of turbulence, but the destination—a bowl game—is right on course.
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