Coastal Carolina to Face UTSA in Myrtle Beach Bowl Showdown

Coastal Carolina to Host Myrtle Beach Bowl Against UTSA

Conway, SC – Coastal Carolina University has announced that it will host its next bowl game at Brooks Stadium, welcoming the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) for the Myrtle Beach Bowl. This matchup is particularly exciting for the Chanticleers, marking their fifth consecutive bowl appearance as they look to build on their season.

What You Need to Know

The Myrtle Beach Bowl is scheduled for a morning kickoff at 11 a.m. on December 23. Coastal Carolina earned its spot after a strong performance last week, securing a 48-27 victory over Georgia State, which pushed their record to 6-6 for the season. UTSA also finished the season at 6-6, managing to win all its home games while failing to secure a victory on the road.

A Historic Matchup

This bowl game is significant for several reasons. Not only is it a local event, as the Myrtle Beach Bowl takes place in Conway, but it is also the first time that Coastal Carolina and UTSA will face each other in football. The Myrtle Beach Bowl has quickly established a competitive reputation, with past games featuring strong performances from teams like Appalachian State and Ohio.

Current Team Status

However, the atmosphere leading up to the game is complex, as the Chanticleers face uncertainty regarding their roster. Numerous players have expressed intentions to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal, including key players like starting quarterback Ethan Vasko. The official portal opening commences on December 9, shortly before the bowl game, adding a layer of unpredictability about who will represent Coastal Carolina in this crucial match.

Player Dynamics

Among the players who have committed to entering the portal are significant contributors such as redshirt sophomore outside linebacker Clev Lubin and tight end Kendall Karr. Additionally, the situation around freshman quarterback D.J. Moore remains under scrutiny as he is no longer on the roster due to legal issues earlier in the season.

Bowl Game History

Coastal Carolina has had a mixed record in bowl games since its first appearance in 2020. With a 2-2 record in bowl games, including an overtime loss in their inaugural bowl game against Liberty, the Chanticleers will strive for a better outcome in this year’s match. They will aim to follow up on last year’s success, where they defeated San Jose State in the Hawaii Bowl.

All-Conference Honors

As the team prepares for the bowl game, recognition has come for several athletes who were named to the all-conference teams. Notably, Matthew McDoom and Clev Lubin earned spots on the All-Sun Belt First Team Defense. Their contributions this season include impressive defensive statistics, with McDoom tallying three interceptions and Lubin leading the team with 9.5 sacks.

Tickets and Attendance

Fans are encouraged to attend the Myrtle Beach Bowl, with tickets available for purchase online. The stadium box office will open at 9 a.m. on the day of the game to accommodate walk-up visitors. Given the local connection and the overall significance of the game, attendance is expected to be strong.

Conclusion

As Coastal Carolina prepares for this exciting matchup against UTSA, the anticipation builds. Whether they can harness their home-field advantage or navigate the challenges posed by potential roster changes remains to be seen. The Chanticleers hope to capitalize on the local support and deliver a memorable performance in their fifth bowl appearance.