The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers return to Brooks Stadium on November 8, 2025, with the opportunity to build momentum and inch closer to bowl eligibility as they host a struggling Georgia State team that has been reeling on both sides of the ball. Under head coach Tim Beck, Coastal has endured its share of growing pains following the departure of long-time quarterback Grayson McCall, but the Chanticleers remain one of the more disciplined and structurally sound programs in the Sun Belt. Their 2025 season has been defined by modest offensive output and solid, if unspectacular, defensive performances. Coastal enters the game averaging around 19 points per game while allowing roughly 28, figures that highlight their need for improved red-zone efficiency and more explosive plays downfield. Sophomore quarterback Ethan Vasko has continued to grow into the role, displaying improved confidence and rhythm in Beck’s spread offense. Though still inconsistent, Vasko has shown the ability to execute quick reads and use his legs to extend drives, particularly in play-action situations. He’ll have one of the Sun Belt’s most experienced receivers in Sam Pinckney at his disposal—a reliable possession target with excellent route-running ability and strong hands in traffic. The running game, led by Braydon Bennett, has been the backbone of the Chanticleers’ attack, averaging over 4.5 yards per carry and helping the team sustain possession against faster opponents. Offensive coordinator Travis Trickett has emphasized balance, using Bennett’s downhill running to set up RPOs and keep defenses guessing. Against Georgia State’s porous defense, which allows over 40 points per game, Coastal’s offense has a prime opportunity to break out of its slump and establish early dominance by controlling the line of scrimmage and winning on first down.

Defensively, Coastal Carolina remains a well-coached, opportunistic unit capable of forcing turnovers and limiting big plays. The front seven, anchored by defensive end Shane Bruce and linebacker JT Killen, has been the heart of the team’s defensive identity, excelling against the run and consistently generating backfield pressure. Coastal’s defensive line has been particularly strong at home, feeding off crowd energy to disrupt rhythm early in games. The secondary, while occasionally vulnerable to deep shots, features ball-hawking safety Tobias Fletcher and cornerback Lance Boykin, both of whom have the physical tools to contain Georgia State’s vertical threats. The key defensively will be maintaining discipline against Georgia State’s mobile quarterback Darren Grainger, who can extend plays and convert broken coverage situations into big gains. Expect the Chanticleers to use a spy and conservative containment strategy to prevent Grainger from escaping the pocket. Special teams could provide a hidden edge for Coastal, as kicker Liam Gray has been consistent from mid-range and punter Charles Ouverson has excelled in flipping field position. From a betting perspective, Coastal Carolina enters as the more trustworthy side, particularly at home, where they’ve historically been strong against the spread in matchups with struggling defenses. The Chanticleers’ ability to control tempo, force turnovers, and capitalize on Georgia State’s defensive lapses gives them a clear path to victory. If Vasko can avoid costly mistakes and the running game continues to grind down Georgia State’s front seven, Coastal Carolina should be able to dictate the pace and steadily pull away in the second half. While not the high-powered offense of recent years, this iteration of Coastal still plays smart, fundamentally sound football—and that structure alone may be enough to deliver a comfortable win over a Georgia State team that has yet to prove it can compete on the road against disciplined opponents.