Coastal Carolina vs. Charleston Southern 2025: Keys to the Game and Predictions

It’s Coastal Carolina vs. Charleston Southern in a 2025 Week 2 matchup. The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers enter Week 2 looking to rebound from their disastrous opening game against Virginia last week. Luckily for teal nation, it’s an FCS program on the docket this week.

This out-of-conference game should be a confidence-boosting win against a smaller school. However, these two teams have a history, and it may not be an easy night for Coastal. Both these teams used to be in the Big South, and due to their proximity, were major rivals.

Coastal Carolina Chanticleers vs. Charleston Southern Buccaneers: Matchup History

Coastal Carolina and Charleston Southern first crossed paths in 2003, when CSU claimed a 48–14 victory in their inaugural meeting. Over the years, Coastal has held a slim advantage in the all-time series, leading 8–6. The rivalry heated up in 2005 when Charleston Southern beat Coastal in a double overtime thriller, 34–27. That victory made both schools co-champions of the Big South Conference in 2005.

That win echoed again in 2008 when CSU shut the Chanticleers out, 24–0. Coastal then answered with emphatic wins. The first was a dominant 70–3 blowout in 2010, then with narrow wins in 2013 (31–26) and 2015 (33–25). The most recent chapter came in 2016, when Charleston Southern nosed out a 59–58 win at Brooks Stadium in a high-scoring instant classic.

Since then, the rivalry has sat dormant due to Coastal leaving the FCS and the Big South to join the FBS and the Sun Belt conference in 2016. Now, CCU looks to get revenge in this resurrected rivalry game.

Coastal Carolina vs. Charleston Southern 2025: Keys to the Game and Predictions

Keys to the Game

Offensive Reset for Coastal Carolina

After a dismal 48–7 loss to Virginia, Coastal’s new Air Raid offense needs a better rhythm. Improving third-down efficiency and establishing the run game are vital.

Charleston Southern’s Quarterback Experience

Senior quarterback Zolten Osborne had a rocky debut against Vanderbilt. In that game he went 8-of-16 for 54 yards and an interception. However, he brings leadership and experience to the Buccaneers offense.

Defensive Adjustments

Both defenses surrendered big in Week 1. Coastal allowed 48 points, while CSU conceded 45. Containing explosive plays and stopping big yardage will be paramount.

Home-Field Advantage

Playing at Brooks Stadium gives Coastal a tangible edge. ESPN’s analytics peg CCU with a 93-percent win probability. That home-field advantage could play a big role for the Chanticleers in Week 2.

Key Players for Coastal Carolina

MJ Morris completed 20 of 36 passes for 163 yards and an interception against Virginia last week. Morris needs to harness that arm and poise to make a difference for the Chanticleers.

Dominic Knicely and Ja’Vin Simpkins, the running back duo, totaled just 53 rushing yards on 15 carries. If Coastal wants to succeed, they need these two to gain some momentum and provide a better performance on Saturday.

Finally, tight end Brooks Johnson tallied 36 receiving yards on two catches last week. Johnson is a tall, athletic tight end who could overpower Charleston Southern’s smaller team.

Key Players for Charleston Southern

Zolten Osborne is the veteran anchor of the offense. Although he was limited to 54 yards against Vanderbilt, his decision-making will steer CSU’s attack.

Isaiah Gordon ran for 28 yards on eight carries, and was vital in short-yardage and establishing offensive tempo.

Jamil Bishop is the team’s top receiving target. He had 36 yards on two receptions, needs to be a focal point in the passing game.

How Coastal Carolina Wins

To seize control, Coastal Carolina must start fast. A script filled with quick passes, creative misdirection, and early third-down conversions will pressure the CSU defense.

MJ Morris needs to trust his rhythm, hitting Brooks Johnson on intermediate routes and aggressively targeting seams. Meanwhile, establishing the ground game will open up the field for deep plays.

Defensively, Coastal must force CSU into pressure and disrupt short routes. By taking away anything underneath, Charleston Southern’s quarterback will be forced to hold on to the ball. Hopefully, that results in some sacks for CCU.

A disgruntled team coming off Week 1, the Chanticleers need a victory. If the Air Raid offense is operating, complemented by disciplined defense and home-field energy, Coastal can gain momentum and pull away early.