Coastal Carolina Shocks South Alabama, Chants Win Conference Opener 38-20

South Alabama and Coastal Carolina, who last met in 2021, opened conference play Saturday with a wild one in Mobile. Coastal Carolina, who entered the game as 16 point underdogs, pulled the upset 38-20, despite being outgained on offense by over 120 yards.

Despite the final score, defense would be the main story for most of the first half. Both teams showing very little on the offensive side of the ball in the first quarter. South Alabama would have the most success in the quarter, able to get the ball to the Coastal Carolina 30, before a failed 4th down conversion ended the drive. Coastal Carolina was able to make it to around midfield twice, but punted on their two first quarter possessions.

It would be halfway through the second quarter before things really started to change. South Alabama’s PJ Martin would break away on long rush, but fumble at the one yard line. However, luckily for the Jaguars, Anthony Eager would hop on the fumble for the South Alabama touchdown. Coastal would respond on their next drive, highlighted by a big 30 yard rush by Jevon Edwards. A 19-yard Tad Hudson touchdown pass capped off the drive, tying things up at 7.

We’ll take it 🤷‍♂️ https://t.co/aLrvhD7aKC pic.twitter.com/bOe3LtVeUe

— South Alabama Football 🏈 (@SouthAlabamaFB) September 21, 2025

Picking up right where they left off on their last drive, South Alabama would get a breakaway 54 yard rush, this time by Keenan Phillips. Coastal would force a fourth and goal, but the Jags went for it and got a 3-yard touchdown rush late in the second quarter to send the Jags to the half leading 14-7.

South Alabama did open second half with the ball, but overall the second half would be all Chanticleers. A blocked punt at the beginning of the half by Coastal Carolina would give the Chants great field position. They took full advantage, scoring two plays later on a Tad Hudson touchdown pass to Robby Washington. It would continue going Coastal’s way after this, as on the next play from scrimmage would be intercepted by the Chants Myles Woods. The Chanticleers quickly scored, putting Coastal up 21-14.

𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗦 𝗨𝗣.@Tadhudson7 rumbles into the end zone to put @CoastalFootball on 🔝. ☀️🏈pic.twitter.com/trBtRJ97T4

— Sun Belt Football (@SunBeltFB) September 21, 2025

Coastal would really open the game up in the fourth quarter with some help from South. The Jags opened the quarter with a missed field goal, giving the ball back to Coastal. The Chants would drive right down the field, this time scoring on a Ja’Vin Simpkins touchdown run. South Alabama would get a field goal after this, before forcing a Coastal Carolina punt, to give the Jags the ball, down just eight. However, after another Bishop Davenport interception, it would be Coastal Carolina in scoring position. They kicked a field goal, extending the Coastal lead to 11.

South Alabama, now needing a stop and a score, would get the ball back with four minutes to go, now trailing 31-20. The Jaguars picked up exactly where they left off on their last drive, with another turnover. This time, a fumble that Coastal would pick up and return for a touchdown. Coastal Carolina went on to win 38-20.

1-0 👌 pic.twitter.com/VY2jUw0iC3

— Coastal Football (@CoastalFootball) September 21, 2025

Overall, the stats do not tell the story of this one. South Alabama with 420 yards of offense, 197 of those passing, 223 yards rushing. Coastal Carolina with 294 yards total, 112 passing, 182 rushing. South Alabama would win the time of possession battle, 36:41 – 23:19. Turnovers were key though. Zero for Coastal Carolina, a massive improvement. The three turnovers for the Jags cost them heavily, with Coastal Carolina scoring on all three.

“We’re upset, everyone’s upset, we didn’t play well enough on offense, we just didn’t play complimentary football,” said South Alabama coach Major Applewhite following the game.

Individually, freshman Keenan Phillips would be the leader for the Jags on offense, running for 104 yards on 13 attempts. Standing out for Coastal Carolina offensively was Ja’Vin Simpkins, who ran for 84 yards and a touchdown on nine attempts. Defensively the Chanticleers were led by Tray Brown, who had six tackles, a fumble recovery and a touchdown. The Jags being led by Blayne Myrick, who had eight tackles.

“They [Coastal] did a really good job playing on our routes, they made us make decisions in small areas,” said South Alabama receiver Devin Voisin on Coastal Carolina’s defense.

As for next week, South Alabama will hit the road Saturday to take on 4-0 North Texas on ESPNU in the Jags’ last nonconference game. Coastal Carolina will have a bye week before travelling to Old Dominion in Week 6.