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The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (1-0) strolled into AmFirst Stadium in Jacksonville, Ala. on Aug 29, and stormed out with a victory as they defeated the Jacksonville State Gamecocks (0-1) by a score of 55-27. After both teams exchanged field goals in the first quarter Coastal opened it up and didn't look back.
Coastal Carolina Dominates Gamecocks
Penalties by JSU helped move the chains for the Chants on the opening drive, and that was the last bit of help Coastal needed. JSU answered with their own field goal on the ensuing drive, but then scoring became scarce for the Gamecocks.
The Chanticleer offense was the story of the game, racking up 552 yards. First-year starting quarterback Ethan Vasko lit up the scoreboard as he threw for 2 touchdowns, and rushed for another. Vasko started the onslaught when he hit receiver Tray Taylor for a 36-yard touchdown. Taylor finished with 3 receptions, 98 yards and 1 score. Running back Ja'Vin Simpkins carried the Chants on the ground with 12 carries for 80 yards.
Defense Sparks Domination
The offense did as they pleased, but it was the Chanticleer defense that sparked the firestorm. Less than 11 seconds after Taylor's score, defensive lineman Will Whitson strip-sacked JSU quarterback Logan Smothers, and the Chants' Clev Lubin scooped the ball and took it 17 yards to the house. The Gamecocks were on their heels from there.
Whitson was moved to the interior defensive line this season. Asked how he liked the transition in the post-game presser, Whitson indicated he was pleased: "Closer to the quarterback, closer to the money," he said. And closer to the money he was.
Look Ahead
The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (1-0) are elated after the statement win. They dominated on both sides of the ball and now have momentum heading into a favorable schedule. If the Chants can build on this success expect Coastal to make some major noise in the Sun Belt Conference. William and Mary travel to Conway, S.C. next week. So, the Chants get a warm-up before playing Temple and Virginia ahead of conference play.
The Jacksonville State Gamecocks (0-1) are disappointed in the loss, but have a bright season ahead of them in Conference USA. JSU ended the game with 357 yards, most of which came in the fourth quarter when the game was out of hand. But head coach Rich Rodriguez's squad will bounce back. The Gamecocks turned the ball over 3 times in the game. Expect the ground game to get going, and the turnovers to lessen in the coming weeks. JSU faces a difficult opponent next week as the Gamecocks travel to Louisville, Ky. to face the Cardinals, but should get right once they get into conference play.
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