Coastal Carolina’s 38-20 win over South Alabama in Mobile Saturday night was exactly what this program needed to hopefully get things turned around in 2025. Going there as a 15-point underdog, the Chants avoided the turnovers that had plagued them in their first three games, as they did not turn the ball over in a game for the first time since last season’s App State contest. Obviously, if you don’t beat yourself, it’s harder for the other team to beat you.
The first four minutes of the second half was the turning point for this game, and maybe for the season. You often hear coaches talk about the “middle 8” minutes of the game – last four minutes of the first half, first four of the second half – as being crucial to the eventual outcome. Certainly, the first four minutes of the second half set the tone for the Chanticleers’ win so let’s take a closer look at that portion of the game.
Trailing 14-7 at the break, the Chants had to kickoff to start the second half and after a touchback, the defense got a quick three downs and out. DB Myles Woods nearly had an interception on 3rd down as he jumped a short route but that was fine. That PBU stopped the drive and Woods would soon get that pick. South Alabama then shanked a punt, as it traveled just 11 yards and Coastal was in business at the SA 40.
On first down, QB Tad Hudson found TE Brooks Johnson over the middle after that area was cleared out and Johnson picked up a 1st down. Then RB Javin Simpkins sprinted off the right side for nine more and on second and short, Hudson got plenty of time and a clean pocket from his offensive line to hit WR Robby Washington on what looked like a stop and go for the touchdown. Washington froze the defender and it was all over. Just like that, it was 14-14.
After another booming touchback by K Philippe Laforge, Woods got his interception on South Alabama’s first play from scrimmage, returning it to the Jaguars’ 20-yard line. Give some credit to DL Jordan Mack as he got great pressure on the SA quarterback with a strong bull rush up the middle. On 2nd down, RB Jevon Edwards got great blocking from OLs Nick Del Grande, Thomas Johnson and Zac Elam as he galloped all the way to the SA three-yard line.
Three plays later, Hudson called his own number, finding a hole off the left side, and scored from 7 yards out to give Coastal a 21-14 lead they would not relinquish. All of that took place in just 3:41 of game time. Offense, defense and special teams – domination.
The Chants would continue to add to the lead, with the defense closing the book in this one late in the 4th quarter as DL Noah Arinze – this week’s Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Week – getting the strip sack fumble and LB Tray Brown the scoop and score to finish off the 38-20 win.
So where do the Chants (2-2, 1-0) go from here? Was this win a one-hit wonder or will the Chanticleers build on it and be a factor in the Sun Belt East race? Have the off-field issues been ironed out? How much do we even know about this team at this point?
The answers to those questions will have to wait as Coastal has the first of their two bye weeks this Saturday, with a chance to get some guys rest and healed up before a crucial Sun Belt East showdown at The Dominion of Old on October 4, set for a 6 PM kickoff.
CHANTS UP!
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