Week 6 Preview: Coastal Carolina at Old Dominion

Coastal Carolina is coming fresh off their bye week after a much-needed win over South Alabama on Sept. 20.

After a rough start to the season, the Chanticleers’ offense finally found its rhythm and played closer to its potential. A key difference was ball security. Coming into the matchup with 11 turnovers in just three games, Coastal flipped the script by winning the turnover battle against the Jaguars— a point head coach Tim Beck has stressed since Week 1, good things happen when you take care of the football.

Coastal Carolina

Redshirt Sophomore quarterback Tad Hudson appeared to have regained his confidence after struggling early in the season. He made the right plays at the right time, connecting on two impressive touchdowns with Malick Meiga and Robby Washington, as well as adding another score with his legs.

Although the Chanticleers had 100+ less yards than the Jaguars, they were able to capitalize on South Alabama’s mistakes. South Alabama had an interception and an 11-yard punt, both resulting in Coastal Carolina touchdowns. CCU Linebacker Tray Brown also returned a fumble for a touchdown late in the game.

The running back group continued to shine, highlighted by Ja’Vin Simpkins, who turned nine carries into 84 yards and capped his night with a 24-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.

First-year defensive coordinator Jeremiah Johnson’s defense continued to handle business as it has all season, forcing three turnovers against an offense led by Bishop Davenport, who entered the game ranked ninth nationally in completion percentage. The unit was anchored by Week 4 Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Week Noah Arinze, along with Shane Bruce, Myles Woods, Xamarion Gordon, and Tray Brown.

Beck emphasized the importance of trusting the process and coaches and to keep fighting.

‘We improved, we got better, we didn’t turn the ball over today and look what happened. They did and we didn’t and we won the game… the way the guys played, believed and worked hard and trusted,” Beck said.

The Chanticleers will look to build on their momentum and move to 2-0 in conference play when they return from the bye week to face Old Dominion on Saturday.

Old Dominion

Old Dominion earned its 100th victory in program history, dominating the Liberty Flames on Sept. 27, producing excellent numbers all around.

The Monarchs piled up 489 yards of total offense compared to Liberty’s 203, a performance that demonstrated their dominance. Even with four turnovers, ODU controlled the game throughout and racked up 25 first downs.

“We had over 200 yards passing, over 200 rushing,” said head coach Ricky Rahne. “More rushing yards than they had total yards… more passing yards than they had total yards.”

The second quarter is where ODU found its rhythm, starting with a 22-yard touchdown strike to TJ Johnson to open the scoring. Just minutes later, the Monarchs added a 31-yard touchdown pass to Ja’Cory Thomas. They nearly tacked on another score before halftime after a takeaway by linebacker Jeremy Mack Jr., but the drive ended abruptly when quarterback Colten Joseph fumbled at the goal line.

The offense struggled in the red zone, 0-for-5 in the game. Entering the game, they were 100% in the red zone.

Rahne emphasized the team’s efficiency on both sides of the ball, mentioning the importance of turnovers and the red zone.

Joseph finished with 271 passing yards and three touchdowns while adding 76 yards on the ground. He connected with Ja’Cory Thomas five times for two scores, found TJ Johnson for another touchdown, and linked up with Tre’ Brown III for four catches and 81 yards.

Defensively, ODU held Liberty to just 203 total yards and only allowed the Flames quarterback Michael Merdinger to complete six passes for 77 yards.

The Monarchs’ defense forced three turnovers, highlighted by an interception from Jeremy Mack Jr. and fumble recoveries by Ricardo Williams Jr. and Lucas Struck. Junior Jahleel Culbreath led the way with nine tackles, while sophomore Zion Frink added five solo tackles, including one for a loss. Kris Trinidad also chipped in with two tackles for loss.

Old Dominion opens its Sun Belt play on Saturday against the Chanticleers.