The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (6–4) will travel to Columbia to take on the South Carolina Gamecocks (3–7) at Williams-Brice Stadium in Week 13. The game kicks off at 4:15 p.m. ET on the SEC Network.
Coastal Carolina vs. South Carolina: 2025 College Football Preview
The Gamecocks made headlines last week when they collapsed against No. 3 Texas A&M, blowing a 30-3 halftime lead to lose 31–30. Meanwhile, Coastal Carolina is also coming off a devastating game, losing 45-40 against Georgia Southern. The loss ended their dreams of a Sun Belt championship and resulted in the loss of quarterback Samari Collier for the season. The defeat ended a four-game winning streak for Coastal, led by Collier. Now, these two South Carolina teams look to bounce back and claim in-state bragging rights. It’s a battle of the cocks! Let’s take a look at how it’s all going to go down.
Coastal Connection
Coastal Carolina University originally began as a branch campus of the University of South Carolina system. CCU was part of the university system from 1960 until it became an independent institution in 1993. Marking independence, Coastal would adopt the Chanticleer name to differentiate from South Carolina, but still keep the moniker of a rooster.
Matchup History and Excerpts
For those who may not be aware, Coastal was once a part of South Carolina University – a branch away from the main campus. However, after separating, Coastal eventually settled on the team name “Chanticleers” as a way to pay homage to their origins.
Unsurprisingly, these two out-of-conference universities have only matched up twice in their history. And even more unsurprisingly, South Caronia has won both times. However, Coach Shane Beamer of South Carolina isn’t taking them lightly.
“We need to go play well against a really good Coastal team. Coach (Tim) Beck’s done an awesome job. They’re hot … Playing some really good football, had some nice wins throughout the month of October. They present some problems defensively … Offensively, they’re running the heck out of the football. They’ve used three quarterbacks this year … They present a lot of problems from a schematic standpoint.”
Coastal has run for 200+ yards in five games in a row. They have had three different starting QBs this season, rotating all three during games. However, Collier has been the main starter during their winning streak. With Collier out, the job will be split between Tad Hudson and MJ Morris. A starter has not been officially named.
“I know it’ll be a great environment in Williams-Brice Stadium … I know how great our fan base is, and I know that they’ll savor the opportunity … it’ll be September before we’re in there again.”
Williams-Brice is one of the best and loudest stadiums not only in the SEC, but in all of college football. This will be the biggest stage the Chants have played on all season. It’s a true measuring stick for how far they’ve come since their season opener and only other Power 4 matchup — a 48–7 loss to No. 19 Virginia.
South Carolina has not had the season they were hoping for and are currently second-to-last in the SEC. However, they still have something to play for. They want to finish strong for their seniors, and this matchup serves as a “state championship” of sorts, a final source of motivation.
Key Players
Coastal Carolina
For Coastal Carolina, the biggest storyline is the loss of quarterback Samari Collier, whose dual-threat playmaking carried the Chanticleer offense throughout the season. The responsibility now shifts to backup MJ Morris or Tad Hudson, who both looked average to bad in their starts. Whoever starts will try to keep up the pace with the Gamecocks. The Chants average 347 yards per game on offense themselves, and will need to have a big day for a victory.
The Chanticleers will lean heavily on their run game that has been working so well for them this season. Running backs Ja’Vin Simpkins and D. Knicely provide a thunder and lightning duo. Knicely is the stronger, heavier back, while Simpkins is the faster, slippery halfback. Jevon Edwards and Jalen John also come in to provide depth as well. With the departure of Collier, the Chants will lose a massive part of their run game and offense, as he led the team in rushing touchdowns with seven in only four full games.
All eyes are on this defense, which hopes to bounce back after giving up 45 points to Georgia Southern in a disappointing performance. It will be tough for them, as they will have to face SEC talent.
South Carolina
South Carolina enters the matchup powered by 6-foot-3 235 quarterback LaNorris Sellers, whose size and speed make him the centerpiece of the Gamecocks’ offense. Even though his stats may not look great this year, his physical attributes are what make him so talented. The redshirt sophomore is still developing, but by this time next year, he’s projected to be a top pick.
His top big-play weapon is Nyck Harbor. Harbor brings Olympic-level speed and a 6-foot-5 frame, making opposing cornerbacks fear him. His track records include 10.11 seconds in the 100-meter and 20.20 seconds in the 200-meter, which are the second and third-highest (respectively) in South Carolina’s history. Harbor has caught 24 passes for 503 yards and five touchdowns this year, averaging 21.0 yards per reception.
Defensively, defensive back DQ Smith leads the team in total tackles (53) this season. The Gamecocks allow about 360 yards per game. They’ll need to find a way to stop Coastal’s ground-and-pound run game.
Prediction and Final Score
South Carolina opens up as the heavy favorite. Betting lines have the Gamecocks favored by around 24 points (FOX Sports). According to ESPN, the Gamecocks have a 94.2-percent win probability. Still, some predictions lean toward a lower-scoring game due to both teams’ offensive inconsistencies. The over/under is set around 50.5 points, signaling that oddsmakers see this as a game that could go under.
The Gamecocks are expected to dominate, but don’t count out the underdog Chanticleers; they’re definitely not a team that’s gonna get pushed around. One thing they’ve proven this season is that they’re resilient and don’t give up. If Coastal can lean on its run game, avoid turnovers, and keep the ball from SC, they could keep things close.
However, South Carolina could be an angry team. They at home in Williams-Brice, motivated to finish strong and win this game. Not to mention, the talent disparity of the SEC over the Sunbelt will be a tough task to overcome for CCU.
Prediction: Gamecocks 41, Chanticleers 13.
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