Conway, SC: The last time Coastal Carolina entertained Charleston Southern, the Bucs pulled out a 59-58 triumph in double overtime. The two teams combined for nearly nine hundred yards of total offense while running a combined 145 offensive plays in that October 2016 shootout. The rematch on Saturday looked more like a bad movie sequel, as both offenses were stuck in neutral, with Coastal generating just enough to pick up a 13-0 victory over CSU.
Backup quarterback Tad Hudson was the story for CCU offensively. The transfer from North Carolina replaced MJ Morris late in the third quarter and led the Chanticleers on two decisive scoring drives in the fourth quarter. That was more than enough for the Coastal defense, which limited the Buccaneers to just 153 yards of total offense while holding CSU to 0-of-11 on 3rd down conversions. The shutout was the first for CCU since blanking Georgia State 51-0 on Halloween of 2020.
CCU racked up 384 yards on 78 plays; however, three interceptions by starting QB MJ Morris short-circuited the Chanticleer attack and ultimately led to Hudson being inserted into the game.
The win improved CCU to 1-1 on the season as the Chanticleers prepare to host East Carolina next Saturday night at 7:30pm. Meanwhile, CSU fell to 0-2 with its 12th straight loss. The Bucs open OVC/Big South Conference play next weekend against Lindenwood. Kickoff is set for 4pm at Buccaneer Field.
Game Story Courtesy of CCU Media Relations: Coastal Carolina leaned on its defense and a grinding rushing attack to blank Charleston Southern 13-0 before a Brooks Stadium-record crowd of 22,217 on Saturday night.
Running back Dominic Knicely set the tone with 92 yards on nine carries, including a 52-yard burst in the third quarter that flipped field position. Ja’Vin Simpkins added 58 yards on the ground, while Jalen John chipped in 51. In all, Coastal ran for 245 yards.
Hudson provided the game’s only touchdown, capping a 16-play, 83-yard drive with a 4-yard keeper early in the fourth quarter. Kicker Kian Afrookhteh hit field goals from 21 and 29 yards, giving the Chants all the points they would need.
Charleston Southern never crossed the 50-yard line in the second half. Quarterback Zolten Osborne finished 10-of-22 for 55 yards with one interception, while running back Ke’Marion Baldwin had 62 yards rushing.
In a game dictated by defense, each punter played a role as well. CSU’s Gilbert Brown uncorked a career-best 82-yard punt, while Emile Sebafundi countered with a 61-yard effort for CCU.