Coastal Carolina and UTSA meet in the Myrtle Beach Bowl at Brooks Stadium in Conway, SC, on December 23 at 11:00 AM ET. Both teams hold 6-6 records and are looking to cap their seasons with a bowl victory.
Coastal Carolina Chanticleers
Coastal Carolina will essentially play a home game in this year’s Myrtle Beach Bowl, but the Chanticleers face a significant challenge without their top two quarterbacks. Ethan Vasko and Noah Kim have entered the transfer portal, leaving redshirt freshman Tad Hudson as the likely starter. Hudson has not played this season, presenting uncertainty for Coastal Carolina’s offense.
The Chanticleers are expected to rely heavily on their rushing attack, which averages 178.7 yards per game. Running backs Braydon Bennett and Christian Washington will play pivotal roles. Bennett leads the team with 727 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, while Washington has added 537 yards and five scores.
Coastal Carolina’s defense, ranked 82nd nationally, will need to step up against a UTSA offense that has proven capable of scoring in bunches. The Chanticleers are 3-3 at home this season, but the loss of their starting quarterbacks puts extra pressure on the rest of the team.
Head coach Tim Beck emphasized the opportunity for younger players, stating, “There’s a lot of excitement because players who haven’t seen much action now know they’ll have a chance to contribute.”
UTSA Roadrunners
UTSA enters the Myrtle Beach Bowl with momentum after winning three straight games in November to become bowl-eligible. The Roadrunners are led by quarterback Owen McCown, who has thrown for 3,170 yards with 24 touchdowns and nine interceptions this season. Eleven different players have caught a touchdown, showcasing UTSA’s offensive versatility.
Defensive tackle Brandon Brown anchors the Roadrunners’ defense and will play in the bowl game despite declaring for the NFL draft. Brown recorded 24 tackles and two sacks this season, while Jimmori Robinson led the team with 10.5 sacks. UTSA’s defense ranks 18th nationally in rushing yards allowed, holding opponents to just 110.2 yards per game on the ground.
Head coach Jeff Traylor praised his team’s commitment, saying, “Our players want to collect bowl wins, and I’m excited to coach this group.” UTSA has excelled at home this season with a 6-0 record but will face a unique challenge playing at Coastal Carolina’s home stadium.
The Roadrunners are making their fifth consecutive bowl appearance and aim to build on last year’s Frisco Bowl victory, the program’s first-ever bowl win.
Prediction
Coastal Carolina’s quarterback uncertainty gives UTSA a significant advantage. The Roadrunners’ balanced offense and stout run defense should prove too much for the Chanticleers to overcome. Expect UTSA to control the game on both sides of the ball and secure their second bowl victory in program history.
- Pick: UTSA 34, Coastal Carolina 20
