Saturday, November 6
Statesboro, Ga.
6 p.m. ET
Coastal Carolina University
at
Georgia Southern
Photo by: CCU Photography
11/2/2021 3:00:00 PM | Football
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Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. ET in Statesboro, Ga.
CONWAY, S.C. – The No. 21 nationally-ranked Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (7-1, 3-1 SBC) will hit the road for a Sun Belt East Division matchup with the Georgia Southern Eagles (2-6, 1-4 SBC) this Saturday, Nov. 6, in Statesboro, Ga. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. ET.
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The game will be streamed live on ESPN+. The game will also be carried live on the radio at WRNN Hot Talk 99.5 FM and on the WRNN 99.5 FM Myrtle Beach TuneIn App.
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• The Chants were ranked again in both the AP and USA TODAY Sports AFCA Coaches polls this week (Oct. 31), which marks 21-straight polls (weeks) that Coastal has been ranked since breaking into the polls in October 2020.
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Coastal in the Rankings in 2021
Date                        AP       Coaches          CFP
Preseason              22          24                 N/A
Sept. 7Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 17Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 19Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â N/A
Sept. 12Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 16Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 18Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â N/A
Sept. 19Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 17Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 17Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â N/A
Sept. 26Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 16Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 16Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â N/A
Oct. 3Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 15Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 15Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â N/A
Oct. 10Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 15Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 15Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â N/A
Oct. 17Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 14Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 16Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â N/A
Oct. 24Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 24Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 24Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â N/A
Oct. 31Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 21Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 21Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â -
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• Coastal was ranked in the top-25 in both polls for 11-straight weeks last season.
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• Prior to last season (2020), Coastal had not won more than two conference games in any season since joining the Sun Belt in 2017 and just six total conference games in the program's history in the Sun Belt.
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YEARÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â CONFERENCEÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â OVERALL
2017Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 2-6Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 3-9Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
2018Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 2-6Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 5-7Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
2019Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 2-6Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 5-7Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
2020Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 8-0Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 11-1Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
2021Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 3-1Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 7-1Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
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Record Since the Start of the 2020 Season
Rank        Team                                       Record
1.                Alabama                                 20-1   Â
2.                Coastal Carolina                   18-2   Â
3.                BYU *                                      18-3   Â
4.                Cincinnati                               17-1   Â
5.                Georgia                                   16-2   Â
*One of BYU's losses came to Coastal Carolina
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• With their six wins, the Chants are headed to a bowl for the second-straight season and only their second bowl in program history since moving to the FBS level full-time in 2017.
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• Coastal is 2-1 versus Georgia Southern under head coach Jamey Chadwell with wins over the Eagles in 2017 and 2020.
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• The Chants have won two of the last four meetings between the two teams, however, both of those wins came at home inside Brooks Stadium.
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• CCU is 0-2 all-time in Statesboro, Ga., with the last loss at Allen E. Paulson Stadium coming in triple overtime in a torrential downpour in 2019.
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DATEÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â OPPONENTÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â RESULT
9/16/06      at Georgia Southern           L, 21-38
9/15/07      Georgia Southern               L, 34-42
9/18/10      Georgia Southern               L, 26-43
12/2/17      Georgia Southern              W, 28-17
11/17/18    Georgia Southern               L, 17-41
10/19/19    at Georgia Southern   L, 27-30 (3OT)
10/24/20    Georgia Southern              W, 28-14
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• Georgia Southern has one of the best home-field advantages in the FBS as the Eagles have an official NCAA record of 205-44 at Allen E. Paulson Stadium. That .823 winning percentage is the second-best in the FBS heading into this week's game.
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• The Eagles are led by interim head coach Kevin Whitley who took over the program following the firing of Chad Lunsford in September.
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• With their Gun/Pistol Option offense again this season, the Eagles are second in the conference behind only Coastal Carolina in rushing at 230.9 yards per game, which also ranks 12th nationally.
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• Logan Wright leads the triple-option style offense with 100 carries for 654 yards and six touchdowns, while fellow backs Gerald Green and Jalen White have run for 391 and 219 yards on the ground this season, respectively, with Green finding the end zone five times.
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• The Eagles defense has struggled this season in keeping teams out of the end zone, as GS has allowed 32.2 points per game this season, which is seventh in the Sun Belt Conference.
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• However, last time out in a loss to Georgia State, the Eagles allowed a season-low 21 points to the Panthers for the contest.
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• GS is allowing 322.4 passing yards per game which is dead last in all of FBS but has held opponents to just 155.1 rushing yards per game this season.
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• Safety Anthony Wilson leads the team with 46 total tackles, including 27 solo stops, and six pass breakups, while true freshman linebacker Eldrick Robinson II has 41 tackles, 3.0 tackles-for-loss, 0.5 sacks, one interception, and one fumble recovery this season.
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• The game could come down to possession as both teams on average have the ball over 31 minutes on offense - Coastal is second in the league at 31:29 while Georgia Southern is third in the Sun Belt at 31:05.
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Highest Avg. Yards Gained/Per Play in NCAA
Rk     Team                                              Avg. Yards Â
1.       Coastal Carolina                             8.45           Â
2.       Ohio State                                        8.24         Â
3.       Oklahoma                                        7.25           Â
4.       Western Kentucky                            7.24           Â
5.       Baylor                                               7.10           Â
6.       Virginia                                            7.07           Â
7.       North Carolina                                 6.88           Â
8.       Michigan State                                6.84           Â
9.       Wake Forest                                    6.82           Â
10.     Alabama                                          6.78           Â
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Highest Avg. Yards Per Game in NCAA
Rk     Team                                          Avg. Yards
1.       Virginia                                          548.6       Â
2.       Ohio State                                      548.1       Â
3.       Western Kentucky                          534.5       Â
4.       Ole Miss                                         531.5       Â
5.       Pittsburgh                                      529.2       Â
6.       Coastal Carolina                           522.6       Â
7.       SMU                                               504.1       Â
8.       Marshall                                         503.4       Â
9.       Wake Forest                                  495.4       Â
10.     Alabama                                        494.0       Â
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• The CCU offense has recorded 455 yards or more of total offense in seven of their eight games this season, including 610 yards in the season opener versus The Citadel (Sept. 2).
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Record When Leading After Three Quarters
YEARÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â RECORD
2021Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 7-0
2020Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 8-0
2019Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 4-0
2018Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 4-0
2017Â Â Â Â Â Â 2-0 (2 games after losing to Arkansas)
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PUT IT ON THE BOARD
• Coastal's offense averaged 37.2 points per game last season in 2020, which led the Sun Belt and ranked 18th nationally.
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• The Chants scored 30 or more points in nine of their 12 games last season.
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• Thus far this season in 2021, the Chants have scored 49 points or more four times and lead the Sun Belt and rank third in the nation in scoring at 44.4 points per game behind only Ohio State (49.3 ppg) and Alabama (45.9 ppg).
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Points Per Game this Season - NCAA
Rk      Team                                     Points Per Game Â
1.        Ohio State                                       47.2             Â
2.        Alabama                                         45.9               Â
3.        Coastal Carolina                            44.4             Â
4.        Pittsburgh                                       43.9             Â
5.        Wake Forest                                   43.4               Â
6.        Oklahoma                                       42.9               Â
7.        SMU                                                42.0               Â
8.        Western Kentucky                          40.5               Â
9.        Cincinnati                                        39.9               Â
10.      Texas                                               39.4              Â
           UTSA                                               39.4             Â
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• Over their last three games, the Chanticleers have totaled eight touchdown plays of 50-plus yards either through the air or on the ground.
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 • In the win over Arkansas State (Oct. 7), the Chants had four touchdown plays go over 50-plus yards en route to the 32-point win.
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• Coastal posted one 50-plus yard touchdown play in the loss at Appalachian State (Oct. 20) the next time out and then recorded three touchdown plays for 50 yards or more in the win last week over Troy (Oct. 28).
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Big Play Touchdowns for CCU this Season
at Arkansas State (Oct. 7)
Play                                                            Yards
Grayson McCall pass to Isaiah Likely             99
Grayson McCall pass to Isaiah Likely             64
Reese White rush                                           64
Bryce Carpenter rush                                     67
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at Appalachian State (Oct. 20)
Play                                                            Yards
Grayson McCall pass to Kameron Brown      74
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vs. Troy (Oct. 28)
Play                                                            Yards
Grayson McCall pass to Jaivon Heiligh          66
Grayson McCall pass to Braydon Bennett     71
Shermari Jones rush                                      54
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STATÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â # Â Â Â Â Â Â NCAAÂ Â Â Â
Scoring Defense (ppg)                     18.5          16th   Â
First Downs Defense                        131        14th   Â
Passing Yards Allowed (per game) 185.1         17th   Â
Red-Zone Defense (pct.)                  76.2        25th   Â
Fourth-Down Conv. Pct. Defense     40.0         26th   Â
Total Defense (ypg)                       331.0         30th   Â
Team Passing Effic. Defense        123.46         40th   Â
Third-Down Conv. Pct. Defense       36.0         40th   Â
Team Sacks (per game)                   2.50        46th   Â
Tackles-for-Loss (per game)              5.4         49th   Â
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• Following a fourth-quarter touchdown by Buffalo (Sept. 18), the Chants did not allow a touchdown over the next two games versus UMass (Sept. 25) and ULM (Oct. 2), nor did they allow a touchdown over the first half of the road win at Arkansas State (Oct. 7).
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No Touchdowns Allowed
GAME           Opponent                           Quarter   Â
9/25/21          UMass                                   1st        Â
                       UMass                                  2nd       Â
                       UMass                                   3rd       Â
                       UMass                                   4th       Â
10/2/21          ULM                                       1st       Â
                       ULM                                      2nd       Â
                       ULM                                      3rd       Â
                       ULM                                      4th       Â
10/7/21          at Arkansas State                  1st       Â
                       at Arkansas State                 2nd       Â
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• Kelly, who was named a 2020 Mayo Clinic Comeback Player of the Year last year, returned after missing the majority of the 2019 season to lead the Chanticleers with 80 tackles in 2020. He also added 6.5 tackles-for-loss, 5.0 sacks, one interception, and one fumble recovery.
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• Gallagher was tied for second on the team with 76 tackles to go along with 4.0 tackles-for-loss, 0.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery last year.
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• The linebacker duo is 1-and-2 in total tackles again this season, as Kelly leads the way with 58 total stops, including 3.5 tackles-for-loss and 1.5 sacks, while Gallagher is second on the team with 51 tackles, including 5.5 tackles-for-loss and 2.0 sacks.
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• Makonzo is third in total tackles with 44, fourth in solo tackles with 17, second in tackles-for-loss with 6.0, and leads the team with two forced fumbles.
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• The third-year Chant is coming off a career game, in which he totaled 11 tackles and two QB hurries in the win over Troy (Oct. 28).
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• This season, Gunter has done a little bit of everything for the CCU defense, as he has recorded 29 total tackles, including 14 solo stops.
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• The redshirt senior also has a team-high 9.0 tackles-for-loss and a team-leading 6.5 sacks, which both rank in the top-five among all Sun Belt defenders.
• On top of that, the 6-4, 240-pounder, has four quarterback hurries, one pass breakup, and blocked a kick this season.
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• Perhaps his best game of the season to date came last week in the win over Troy (Oct. 28), as Gunter totaled five tackles, 1.5 sacks, 1.5 tackles-for-loss, forced a fumble, recovered another fumble, and added one quarterback hurry.
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• Last season in 2020, Gunter led all of FBS with six forced fumbles, finished fourth in the Sun Belt with 6.5 sacks, and seventh in the league with 12.5 tackles-for-loss, while also picking off a pass in the road win at Kansas (Sept. 10, 2020) in the season-opening Power 5 win.
For complete coverage of CCU football, follow the Chants on social media @CoastalFootball (Twitter), facebook.com/CCUChanticleers (Facebook), @GoCCUSports (Instagram), or visit the official home of Coastal Carolina Athletics at www.GoCCUSports.com.
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The game will be streamed live on ESPN+. The game will also be carried live on the radio at WRNN Hot Talk 99.5 FM and on the WRNN 99.5 FM Myrtle Beach TuneIn App.
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NATIONALLY RANKED CHANTICLEERS
• The Chanticleers were ranked in both top 25 national preseason polls to start the season for the first time in program history.Â
• The Chants were ranked again in both the AP and USA TODAY Sports AFCA Coaches polls this week (Oct. 31), which marks 21-straight polls (weeks) that Coastal has been ranked since breaking into the polls in October 2020.
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Coastal in the Rankings in 2021
Date                        AP       Coaches          CFP
Preseason              22          24                 N/A
Sept. 7Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 17Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 19Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â N/A
Sept. 12Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 16Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 18Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â N/A
Sept. 19Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 17Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 17Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â N/A
Sept. 26Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 16Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 16Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â N/A
Oct. 3Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 15Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 15Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â N/A
Oct. 10Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 15Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 15Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â N/A
Oct. 17Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 14Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 16Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â N/A
Oct. 24Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 24Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 24Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â N/A
Oct. 31Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 21Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 21Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â -
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• Coastal was ranked in the top-25 in both polls for 11-straight weeks last season.
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BUSTING THROUGH THE SUN BELT
• Coastal finished the 2020 regular season at 8-0 in conference play, posting their best conference record since joining the Sun Belt as a full-time member in 2017.Â
• Prior to last season (2020), Coastal had not won more than two conference games in any season since joining the Sun Belt in 2017 and just six total conference games in the program's history in the Sun Belt.
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YEARÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â CONFERENCEÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â OVERALL
2017Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 2-6Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 3-9Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
2018Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 2-6Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 5-7Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
2019Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 2-6Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 5-7Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
2020Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 8-0Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 11-1Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
2021Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 3-1Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 7-1Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
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ELITE COMPANY
• Since the start of the 2020 season, the Chanticleers have put themselves in an elite company going 18-2 overall entering this week of play.Â
Record Since the Start of the 2020 Season
Rank        Team                                       Record
1.                Alabama                                 20-1   Â
2.                Coastal Carolina                   18-2   Â
3.                BYU *                                      18-3   Â
4.                Cincinnati                               17-1   Â
5.                Georgia                                   16-2   Â
*One of BYU's losses came to Coastal Carolina
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BOWL BOUND
• With the Chanticleers' 52-20 win at Arkansas State (Oct. 7) in week six, Coastal became the first team in all of FBS to become bowl eligible with six wins.Â
• With their six wins, the Chants are headed to a bowl for the second-straight season and only their second bowl in program history since moving to the FBS level full-time in 2017.
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SERIES VERSUS GEORGIA SOUTHERN
• CCU is 2-5 all-time versus Georgia Southern on the gridiron with the two teams meeting four times as Sun Belt Conference members since 2017 and three times prior to that as FCS foes.Â
• Coastal is 2-1 versus Georgia Southern under head coach Jamey Chadwell with wins over the Eagles in 2017 and 2020.
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• The Chants have won two of the last four meetings between the two teams, however, both of those wins came at home inside Brooks Stadium.
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• CCU is 0-2 all-time in Statesboro, Ga., with the last loss at Allen E. Paulson Stadium coming in triple overtime in a torrential downpour in 2019.
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DATEÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â OPPONENTÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â RESULT
9/16/06      at Georgia Southern           L, 21-38
9/15/07      Georgia Southern               L, 34-42
9/18/10      Georgia Southern               L, 26-43
12/2/17      Georgia Southern              W, 28-17
11/17/18    Georgia Southern               L, 17-41
10/19/19    at Georgia Southern   L, 27-30 (3OT)
10/24/20    Georgia Southern              W, 28-14
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• Georgia Southern has one of the best home-field advantages in the FBS as the Eagles have an official NCAA record of 205-44 at Allen E. Paulson Stadium. That .823 winning percentage is the second-best in the FBS heading into this week's game.
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SCOUTING THE EAGLES
• Georgia Southern is 2-6 overall and 1-4 in Sun Belt play this season, having lost each of its last three games after defeating Arkansas State 59-33 on Oct. 2.Â
• The Eagles are led by interim head coach Kevin Whitley who took over the program following the firing of Chad Lunsford in September.
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• With their Gun/Pistol Option offense again this season, the Eagles are second in the conference behind only Coastal Carolina in rushing at 230.9 yards per game, which also ranks 12th nationally.
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• Logan Wright leads the triple-option style offense with 100 carries for 654 yards and six touchdowns, while fellow backs Gerald Green and Jalen White have run for 391 and 219 yards on the ground this season, respectively, with Green finding the end zone five times.
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• The Eagles defense has struggled this season in keeping teams out of the end zone, as GS has allowed 32.2 points per game this season, which is seventh in the Sun Belt Conference.
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• However, last time out in a loss to Georgia State, the Eagles allowed a season-low 21 points to the Panthers for the contest.
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• GS is allowing 322.4 passing yards per game which is dead last in all of FBS but has held opponents to just 155.1 rushing yards per game this season.
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• Safety Anthony Wilson leads the team with 46 total tackles, including 27 solo stops, and six pass breakups, while true freshman linebacker Eldrick Robinson II has 41 tackles, 3.0 tackles-for-loss, 0.5 sacks, one interception, and one fumble recovery this season.
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• The game could come down to possession as both teams on average have the ball over 31 minutes on offense - Coastal is second in the league at 31:29 while Georgia Southern is third in the Sun Belt at 31:05.
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YARDS PER PLAY IN 2021
• Coastal's offense this season is averaging 8.45 yards per play, which leads all of FBS and is the highest average in CCU single-season history.Â
Highest Avg. Yards Gained/Per Play in NCAA
Rk     Team                                              Avg. Yards Â
1.       Coastal Carolina                             8.45           Â
2.       Ohio State                                        8.24         Â
3.       Oklahoma                                        7.25           Â
4.       Western Kentucky                            7.24           Â
5.       Baylor                                               7.10           Â
6.       Virginia                                            7.07           Â
7.       North Carolina                                 6.88           Â
8.       Michigan State                                6.84           Â
9.       Wake Forest                                    6.82           Â
10.     Alabama                                          6.78           Â
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YARDS FOR DAYS
• Coastal's offense is averaging 522.6 yards per game this season, which leads the Sun Belt and ranks sixth nationally.Â
Highest Avg. Yards Per Game in NCAA
Rk     Team                                          Avg. Yards
1.       Virginia                                          548.6       Â
2.       Ohio State                                      548.1       Â
3.       Western Kentucky                          534.5       Â
4.       Ole Miss                                         531.5       Â
5.       Pittsburgh                                      529.2       Â
6.       Coastal Carolina                           522.6       Â
7.       SMU                                               504.1       Â
8.       Marshall                                         503.4       Â
9.       Wake Forest                                  495.4       Â
10.     Alabama                                        494.0       Â
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• The CCU offense has recorded 455 yards or more of total offense in seven of their eight games this season, including 610 yards in the season opener versus The Citadel (Sept. 2).
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LEADING AFTER THREE QUARTERS
• The Chanticleers have been unbeatable as of late when leading after three quarters of play, as the Chants have won 25-straight games when leading going into the fourth quarter. The last time the Chants lost a game after leading after three quarters of play was at Arkansas in 2017.Â
Record When Leading After Three Quarters
YEARÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â RECORD
2021Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 7-0
2020Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 8-0
2019Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 4-0
2018Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 4-0
2017Â Â Â Â Â Â 2-0 (2 games after losing to Arkansas)
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PUT IT ON THE BOARD
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• The Chants scored 30 or more points in nine of their 12 games last season.
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• Thus far this season in 2021, the Chants have scored 49 points or more four times and lead the Sun Belt and rank third in the nation in scoring at 44.4 points per game behind only Ohio State (49.3 ppg) and Alabama (45.9 ppg).
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Points Per Game this Season - NCAA
Rk      Team                                     Points Per Game Â
1.        Ohio State                                       47.2             Â
2.        Alabama                                         45.9               Â
3.        Coastal Carolina                            44.4             Â
4.        Pittsburgh                                       43.9             Â
5.        Wake Forest                                   43.4               Â
6.        Oklahoma                                       42.9               Â
7.        SMU                                                42.0               Â
8.        Western Kentucky                          40.5               Â
9.        Cincinnati                                        39.9               Â
10.      Texas                                               39.4              Â
           UTSA                                               39.4             Â
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EXPLOSIVE TDS AS OF LATE
• The Coastal Carolina offense did not have a single touchdown play over 50 yards over the first five games of the season with its longest scoring play from the line of scrimmage being a 49-yard touchdown pass from Bryce Carpenter to Xavier Gravette in the season opener versus The Citadel (Sept. 4).Â
• Over their last three games, the Chanticleers have totaled eight touchdown plays of 50-plus yards either through the air or on the ground.
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 • In the win over Arkansas State (Oct. 7), the Chants had four touchdown plays go over 50-plus yards en route to the 32-point win.
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• Coastal posted one 50-plus yard touchdown play in the loss at Appalachian State (Oct. 20) the next time out and then recorded three touchdown plays for 50 yards or more in the win last week over Troy (Oct. 28).
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Big Play Touchdowns for CCU this Season
at Arkansas State (Oct. 7)
Play                                                            Yards
Grayson McCall pass to Isaiah Likely             99
Grayson McCall pass to Isaiah Likely             64
Reese White rush                                           64
Bryce Carpenter rush                                     67
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at Appalachian State (Oct. 20)
Play                                                            Yards
Grayson McCall pass to Kameron Brown      74
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vs. Troy (Oct. 28)
Play                                                            Yards
Grayson McCall pass to Jaivon Heiligh          66
Grayson McCall pass to Braydon Bennett     71
Shermari Jones rush                                      54
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AT THE TOP AGAIN IN 2021
• The Coastal defense once again ranks in the top 50 nationally in several defensive categories again this season.Â
STATÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â # Â Â Â Â Â Â NCAAÂ Â Â Â
Scoring Defense (ppg)                     18.5          16th   Â
First Downs Defense                        131        14th   Â
Passing Yards Allowed (per game) 185.1         17th   Â
Red-Zone Defense (pct.)                  76.2        25th   Â
Fourth-Down Conv. Pct. Defense     40.0         26th   Â
Total Defense (ypg)                       331.0         30th   Â
Team Passing Effic. Defense        123.46         40th   Â
Third-Down Conv. Pct. Defense       36.0         40th   Â
Team Sacks (per game)                   2.50        46th   Â
Tackles-for-Loss (per game)              5.4         49th   Â
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10!
• The Coastal defense had a streak of 10-straight quarters or two-and-a-half games of not allowing a touchdown to its opponents earlier this season.Â
• Following a fourth-quarter touchdown by Buffalo (Sept. 18), the Chants did not allow a touchdown over the next two games versus UMass (Sept. 25) and ULM (Oct. 2), nor did they allow a touchdown over the first half of the road win at Arkansas State (Oct. 7).
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No Touchdowns Allowed
GAME           Opponent                           Quarter   Â
9/25/21          UMass                                   1st        Â
                       UMass                                  2nd       Â
                       UMass                                   3rd       Â
                       UMass                                   4th       Â
10/2/21          ULM                                       1st       Â
                       ULM                                      2nd       Â
                       ULM                                      3rd       Â
                       ULM                                      4th       Â
10/7/21          at Arkansas State                  1st       Â
                       at Arkansas State                 2nd       Â
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TWINS - THE SHERIFF AND THE MAYOR
• Coastal's top-six tacklers from last season returned in 2021 including the top two tacklers on the team in Silas Kelly (The Sheriff) and Teddy Gallagher (The Mayor).Â
• Kelly, who was named a 2020 Mayo Clinic Comeback Player of the Year last year, returned after missing the majority of the 2019 season to lead the Chanticleers with 80 tackles in 2020. He also added 6.5 tackles-for-loss, 5.0 sacks, one interception, and one fumble recovery.
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• Gallagher was tied for second on the team with 76 tackles to go along with 4.0 tackles-for-loss, 0.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery last year.
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• The linebacker duo is 1-and-2 in total tackles again this season, as Kelly leads the way with 58 total stops, including 3.5 tackles-for-loss and 1.5 sacks, while Gallagher is second on the team with 51 tackles, including 5.5 tackles-for-loss and 2.0 sacks.
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OH CANADA
• Canadian Enock Makonzo has been everywhere on the defensive side of the ball this season for the Chanticleers, as he ranks among the team leaders in several defensive categories.Â
• Makonzo is third in total tackles with 44, fourth in solo tackles with 17, second in tackles-for-loss with 6.0, and leads the team with two forced fumbles.
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• The third-year Chant is coming off a career game, in which he totaled 11 tackles and two QB hurries in the win over Troy (Oct. 28).
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GUNTER FOR YOU
• Named to Bruce Feldman's 2021 College Football Freaks List (The Athletic), bandit end Jeffrey Gunter has lived up to the billing once again this season.Â
• This season, Gunter has done a little bit of everything for the CCU defense, as he has recorded 29 total tackles, including 14 solo stops.
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• The redshirt senior also has a team-high 9.0 tackles-for-loss and a team-leading 6.5 sacks, which both rank in the top-five among all Sun Belt defenders.
• On top of that, the 6-4, 240-pounder, has four quarterback hurries, one pass breakup, and blocked a kick this season.
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• Perhaps his best game of the season to date came last week in the win over Troy (Oct. 28), as Gunter totaled five tackles, 1.5 sacks, 1.5 tackles-for-loss, forced a fumble, recovered another fumble, and added one quarterback hurry.
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• Last season in 2020, Gunter led all of FBS with six forced fumbles, finished fourth in the Sun Belt with 6.5 sacks, and seventh in the league with 12.5 tackles-for-loss, while also picking off a pass in the road win at Kansas (Sept. 10, 2020) in the season-opening Power 5 win.
For complete coverage of CCU football, follow the Chants on social media @CoastalFootball (Twitter), facebook.com/CCUChanticleers (Facebook), @GoCCUSports (Instagram), or visit the official home of Coastal Carolina Athletics at www.GoCCUSports.com.
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Players Mentioned
RB
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WR
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QB/ATH
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LB
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TE
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Bandit
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WR
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RB
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LB
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TE
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Spur
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QB
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RB
/ FootballSaturday, October 17
Saturday, October 10
Saturday, October 03
Saturday, October 03
