After a week off to regroup, the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers are set to host the Old Dominion Monarchs this Saturday in a key Sun Belt East showdown. The Chanticleers, who had raced to a 3-0 start, are coming off a disappointing loss to the Virginia Cavaliers. Following that setback, a bye week provided them an opportunity to reset and refocus as they head into conference play. Both teams are opening their Sun Belt schedule, and with both in the Sun Belt East, this matchup could have major implications as the season progresses.
The Chanticleers began the season in impressive fashion, winning their first three games in dominant style and averaging 36 points per contest. The offensive game plan under head coach Tim Beck has been both dynamic and physical, with quarterback Ethan Vasko leading the way. Vasko has been a true dual-threat for Coastal Carolina, using both his arm and legs to keep defenses off balance., and A stable of running backs that have been able to wear down defenses. The Chanticleers’ ground game has been particularly effective, averaging 209 rushing yards per game. This punishing rushing attack has not only worn down defenses but has also opened up explosive opportunities downfield for talented wide receivers like Tray Taylor and Jameson Tucker.
Defensively, Coastal Carolina started the year with an opportunistic mindset, forcing key turnovers in three of their first four contests. This ability to create extra possessions helped fuel the Chanticleers' dominant start, allowing them to put away games early. However, the loss to Virginia exposed some cracks, particularly in their run defense and tackling, that the Chants have had to address during the bye week. Coach Tim Beck and his staff have been working diligently to return the defense to its early-season form—one that was aggressive, disciplined, and able to capitalize on opponents’ mistakes.
Old Dominion, meanwhile, comes into this matchup with a 1-3 record, but the Monarchs are undoubtedly better than what their record suggests. Their early schedule has been anything but easy, including games against two Power Five opponents. In Week 1, the Monarchs nearly pulled off an upset against South Carolina, narrowly losing 23-19 after pushing the Gamecocks to the limit. They also faced Virginia Tech, battling admirably in another tough matchup. Despite the early challenges, Old Dominion has shown they can be a threat, and Coastal Carolina is not taking them lightly.
With the Sun Belt East slate kicking off, both teams know what’s at stake. For the Chanticleers, this is not only a chance to get back on track after a humbling loss to Virginia but also a statement opportunity to prove their early season dominance was no fluke. The matchup against the Monarchs will be a test of focus and preparation, particularly with Coastal looking to reassert the physical, effective running game that has been their hallmark.
Coach Tim Beck emphasized the importance of the bye week in preparing for this crucial game, noting the extra week allowed his team to “stew over the loss to Virginia, learn from it, and refocus on what makes us successful.” The Chants are motivated to put their best foot forward in front of their home crowd, with the energy of Brooks Stadium behind them as they kick off Sun Belt conference play.
Old Dominion will be looking to play spoiler to Coastal Saturday night , but the Chanticleers are determined to use their strengths—an effective ground game, a versatile quarterback, and an opportunistic defense—to dictate the pace of the game. If they can return to their early-season form, Coastal Carolina has a strong chance to come away with a win and set the tone for the rest of their Sun Belt campaign.
The stakes are clear, and the Chanticleers will need to rise to the challenge if they want to stay in the hunt for the Sun Belt East title. A win against Old Dominion would be the perfect way to put the Virginia loss in the rearview mirror and start conference play on the right note. The game will take place Saturday Oct 5 at 7p Eastern at Brooks Stadium in Conway. The game will be aired on ESPN+.
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