College Football Predictions – Coastal Carolina Chanticleers 2020 College Football Preview
August 8, 2020
2019 Recap
Record – 5-7
ATS – 7-5
The Chanticleers got off to a solid 3-1 start that included a road win over Kansas but then proceeded to lose six of their next seven games. There were a few unfortunate CLOSE SHAVES as they lost three road (!) conference games (Georgia Southern, Arkansas St, ULM) by a combined seven points. Argh. They almost made their first bowl game in school history but it wasn’t meant to be. Can they turn the trick this year?
2020 MEGALOCKS Opening Power Rating
East Division – #3
Sun Belt – #5
Coastal Carolina Chanticleers 2020 Outlook
OFFENSE
Coastal Carolina was mediocre across the board last year but they were able to achieve decent balance on offense (196 rush YPG, 198 pass YPG) whilst putting up an acceptable 30 PPG (#7 Sun Belt). The Chants bring back a pair of QBs that are capable of running the offense. Fred Payton and Bryce Carpenter combined for over 2,300 yards passing, 571 rushing yards, and 20 TD passes a season ago. They also bring back their star RB CJ Marable who booked a 1,000-yard campaign on the ground LY whilst grabbing 38 receptions out of the backfield. The THROW GAME has continuity with the return of leading WR Jaivon Heiligh and their fine receiving TE Isaiah Likely (431, 13.5, 5 TD). The offensive line boasts four returning starters whom are all seniors.
We’ll call for a slight improvement on offense and let’s hope that can find a way to create more big plays (#7 Sun Belt in 20+ yard plays LY).
DEFENSE
Coastal Carolina was sneaky good on defense LY and ranked #4 in the Sun Belt in scoring defense and total defense. Their 30.5 PPG allowed was a good improvement from the previous two seasons (33.2, 34.0) and they bring back six starters including five in the front seven. DE Tarron Jackson is one of the most dangerous pass rushers in the conference (10 sacks LY) and they feature three seniors at LB including last year’s leading tackler LB Teddy Gallagher. Also note that LB Silas Kelly was #2 in tackles in 2018 (injured in September LY). The big issue could be a secondary that returns just one starter and allowed 69.7% completions (worst in Sun Belt) and 25 TD passes in 2019.
This looks like an average group and it seems likely they’ll struggle vs good passing teams.
SPECIAL TEAMS
PK Massimo Biscardi is coming off a fine season in which he nailed 15/20 FG attempts (6-6 from 40+ yards) and they return P Myles Prosser (#103 FBS net punting LY). Their return game might be weak as they were horrid on KR a season ago (#125 FBS) and will be without PR Ky’Jon Tyler who made a HOUSE CALL in 2019.
Schedule Analysis
Overall – Both of their non-conference games are winnable (at Kansas, Campbell) but they start Sun Belt action with a pair of tough opponents (Arkansas St, at Louisiana). Things get easier in November.
Potential ATS Trouble Spot – at Texas St (November 28)
This will be a tough spot if either a) the season is over (no shot of a bowl game) or b) they NEED this one to make their first bowl appearance (pressure, yo). Stay tuned.
Season Win Total
Waiting for Vegas/Offshore number.
MEGALOCKS says:
Waiting for Vegas/Offshore number.
MEGAmazing Tidbits
Last year, the Chanticleers booked their first win over a Power 5 opponent when they defeated Kansas by a score of 12-7 in an epic SNOT BUBBLER.
MEGALOCKS Outlook:
There’s enough interesting pieces on hand to make us think they have a shot to get to their first bowl game. The offense has some upside potential and the front seven on defense has a lot of experience. It’s definitely a good thing that they got in a lot of practice in the spring before things were shut down. Hmm. Potential SURPRISE PACKAGE.
#ChantsUp
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WEBSITE
https://goccusports.com/sports/football
FORUM
http://www.coastalfans.com/forum/index.php?board=1.0
NEWS
https://www.wmbfnews.com/sports/coastal-carolina-chanticleers/
http://www.espn.com/college-football/team/_/id/324/coastal-carolina-chanticleers
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