It’s homecoming week, which means a rivalry game is in store this Saturday as Appalachian State (4-2) takes on Coastal Carolina (3-3). While there is no nickname for this matchup or trophy won at the end of the game, there is still a bitter hatred between these opponents. One of the most gorgeous landscapes in all of college football, Kid Brewer Stadium is surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains. However, the Chants have no time for sightseeing the fall foliage like some Myrtle Beach tourists — they’re gearing up for their biggest game of the season. With that in mind, let’s dive into this Coastal Carolina vs. App State 2025 game preview.
Coastal Carolina vs Appalachian State: History and Game Excerpts
The Appalachian State and Coastal Carolina rivalry began in 2016 after Coastal joined the Sun Belt Conference. It has since intensified into a major conference rivalry with closely contested games. App State initially dominated the series, winning the first five matchups. However, Coastal Carolina has since gained momentum, winning three straight games from 2022 to 2024. It has developed into a fierce competition fueled by their status as consistent contenders in the Sun Belt, close geographical proximity, and similar school size and prestige.
The all-time series sits at 4-6, advantage App State. The Chants have won the past three meetings; however, they are 1-6 when playing at Kidd Brewer Stadium. Coach Beck said in his App State week interview, “It’s a hostile environment, and it’s gonna be us against the world … They don’t like us, we don’t like them.”
App State head coach Loggains had this to say when asked about the Chants, “Coach Beck does a good job, they’re gonna be well coached. They’re gonna play hard, they’re an edgy chippy team, so we’re gonna have to play with poise. And we’re excited we’re gonna have them at home.”
At the time of this writing, Coastal is a 10.5-point underdog as they travel to a beautiful Kidd Brewer Stadium at Appalachian State. The over/under is set at 49.5 points for the contest.
Coastal Carolina vs. App State 2025 Preview: Keys, Players, and Predictions
Key Players for Coastal
Currently, starting quarterback Tad Hudson is questionable and will be a game-time decision, according to coach Beck. If he’s ruled out, they’ll be down to their third-string quarterback, Samari Collier.
Collier is a transfer player from JUCO who led Hutchison to a 2024 NCJAA national championship. That season, the quarterback had 25 total touchdowns and 1846 total yards. Colier saw some time in last week’s game when Hudson was forced to exit after taking a hard hit to his shoulder as he tried to power his way into the end zone. Collier played the second half and led the Chants to a win in the rain over ULM. The quarterback had two touchdowns, one on the ground and another passing. He played solidly; however, he only completed five passes for 37 yards, though that could be attributed to the rain pouring down that night. The 6-foot-3, 225-pound, dual-threat quarterback out of Desoto, Texas, is little known, but could shock the Sun Belt if he’s ready for the next step.
M.J. Morris also saw some time in that ULM game, but it was Collier who closed it out. A starter has not been announced this week, so coach Beck may be playing hot potato at the position once again.
Another key player for Coastal is injured. Captain Shane Bruce is questionable and will also be a game-time decision. So, Tray Brown will have to step up if Bruce is ruled out for Saturday’s game. Brown has been very good when playing beside Bruce this season, with 20 solo tackles and five tackles for loss. The homegrown junior middle linebacker has been with Coastal since his freshman year, a rare sight nowadays. Look for No. 55 to be a major component in Coastal’s defense on Saturday.
Key Players for Appalachian State
AJ Swan is set to start for App State. Swann has been average start to his year, throwing six touchdowns and six interceptions. He has led the team to a 4-2 record, but his inconsistency through the air has kept the Mountaineers from finding their rhythm on offense. The quarterback continues to search for a balance between taking shots downfield and protecting the football. Last week, it seemed he finally found his stride, with great decision-making and poise in the pocket. Swan led the Mountaineers to a 41-20 victory over Georgia State.
Running back Rashod Dubinion is the soul of this offense, serving as the engine that keeps App State moving. He has a physical running style, vision between the tackles, and ability to create big plays when the team needs a spark the most. Dubinion has run for 667 yards through six games, an average of 111.2 yards per game and 5.6 yards per carry.
Look for tight end Izayah Cummings to be a big impact player this Saturday. Transferring from Louisville, the senior had 93 yards and a touchdown reception in their win over Georgia State last week. Coach Loggains described him as a “Madden created player” and that he’s “got size, speed, and a great smile!” Coach even said he’s definitely “gonna play in the NFL”. Coastal must find a way to stop what seems like Coach Loggains’ favorite player.
2025 Game Prediction: How Coastal Carolina Beats App State in Week 7
Coastal Carolina can pull off a Week 8 upset over App State by controlling the tempo from the opening snap. They also must limit their turnovers and mistakes. If the Chanticleers establish their run game early, they can force App State into difficult third‑and‑long situations, putting pressure on AJ Swann. By disrupting Swann’s rhythm and forcing hurried throws, Coastal can create turnovers that swing momentum in their favor.
The Chanticleers don’t need to rely on big plays through the air in this game. Using short passes, screens, and misdirection can steadily chip away at App State’s defense while minimizing penalties.
Defensively, Coastal must contain Rashod Dubinion. They need to limit his gains and force the Mountaineers to become one‑dimensional. To do that, Tray Brown must step up and fill the role of captain.
Special teams and late-game execution will be crucial, as one timely turnover or field position play could make the difference in a rivalry game like this. If Coastal executes smart, mistake-free football and capitalizes on key opportunities, they can emerge with a narrow victory, with a predicted final score of 27‑24.
Discover more from The League Winners
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
