Coastal Triumphs Over Arkansas State as Grayson McCall Sets Record, but Suffers Head Injury

In a thrilling Saturday night showdown, Coastal Carolina's star quarterback, Grayson McCall, displayed his remarkable skills, throwing for 244 yards and two second-quarter touchdowns to lead the Chanticleers to a 27-17 victory over Arkansas State. McCall's performance was nothing short of sensational, but the game took a concerning turn when he suffered an apparent upper body injury late in the fourth quarter. The contest began with a defensive statement from Coastal Carolina, as Clayton Isbell's pressure on the Arkansas State quarterback led to a crucial interception by Shane Bruce. The Chanticleers capitalized on the turnover, with Kade Hensley booting a 38-yard field goal to take a 3-0 lead.

The momentum continued for the Chanticleers in the second quarter when McCall connected with Sam Pinckney for an 8-yard touchdown pass and followed it up with a 7-yard strike to Kendall Karr, giving Coastal Carolina a comfortable 17-3 lead at halftime. Arkansas State showed resilience, with Jaylen Raynor throwing two second-half touchdowns to keep the Red Wolves in the game.

McCall, who completed 24 of 28 passes without an interception, demonstrated his remarkable precision and versatility. Coastal Carolina's offense spread the ball around efficiently, with eight players recording carries and eight players making receptions.

Despite Arkansas State's efforts, Coastal Carolina pulled away when Jarrett Guest scored a 3-yard touchdown, securing a 27-10 lead. However, the Red Wolves responded quickly with a 20-yard touchdown pass. McCall's injury late in the fourth quarter brought a concerning tone to the game. McCall, who had thrown for 244 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 81 yards, was carted off the field after a late hit by Trevian Thomas. It was a worrisome moment for fans and players, as McCall was seen motionless on the field.

The injury was particularly disappointing as McCall had recently reached a significant milestone, becoming the 146th quarterback in FBS history to achieve 10,000 career passing yards. With 1,678 passing yards and eight touchdowns this season, McCall was well on his way to another exceptional year.

Despite the victory, the uncertainty surrounding McCall's injury casts a shadow on Coastal Carolina's celebration. As one of the most decorated quarterbacks in Coastal Carolina's history and the preseason Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year, McCall's presence on the field is essential for the team's success. Coastal Carolina fans are surely hoping for a swift and full recovery for their star quarterback as they look ahead to their next game against Marshall, while Arkansas State will be seeking a turnaround in front of their home fans.