Coastal Carolina University Faces Quarterback Issues Ahead of 2024 Myrtle Beach Bowl

News Summary

As Coastal Carolina University prepares for the 2024 Myrtle Beach Bowl against UTSA on December 23, the team faces significant challenges. Both starting quarterback Ethan Vasco and backup Noah Kim have entered the transfer portal, leaving the team without an experienced QB. With the game approaching, coach Tim Beck must make quick decisions, potentially relying on untested players. Meanwhile, UTSA enters the contest with momentum and a strong game record. This matchup is the first between the two universities, adding intrigue to the bowl game.

Coastal Carolina’s Quarterback Dilemma Ahead of 2024 Myrtle Beach Bowl

As the sun sets in Myrtle Beach, the excitement is palpable for the upcoming 2024 Myrtle Beach Bowl. Scheduled for December 23, 2024, Coastal Carolina University is set to host the University of Texas-San Antonio (UTSA) at Brooks Stadium. This highly anticipated matchup promises to be thrilling, though Coastal Carolina steps onto the field with a significant challenge ahead.

A Season of Highs and Lows

The Chanticleers head into this bowl game with a record of 6-6, but recent events have thrown a wrench in their plans. In a surprising twist of fate, both their starting quarterback, Ethan Vasco, and backup Noah Kim have entered the transfer portal. This leaves Coastal Carolina in a bit of a pickle as they scramble to fill the quarterback position just days before kick-off.

With the team’s depth chart looking a bit thin, the spotlight now falls on either Tad Hudson or Alex Walker. Both players are relatively untested, having yet to throw a pass in a college game. This presents a unique challenge to head coach Tim Beck, who will need to strategize quickly. To compensate for the uncertainty under center, the team may lean heavily on their talented running backs, Braydon Bennett and Christian Washington, to keep the offense moving and provide some steady support.

UTSA: A Strong Opponent

On the other side of the field, UTSA arrives with a matching record of 6-6 but carries a wave of momentum after finishing strong this season. Under the guidance of coach Jeff Traylor, the Roadrunners boast an impressive roster. Their standout quarterback, Owen McCown, a transfer from Colorado, has been lighting up scoreboards, racking up nearly 3,200 passing yards and an impressive 24 touchdowns this season.

Despite having to travel, UTSA enters the Myrtle Beach Bowl as the favored team. They’ve shown their strength by winning four of their last six games, giving them the edge as they prepare to face Coastal Carolina. Moreover, the Roadrunners’ stability and experience appear to position them favorably as they look to secure their second consecutive bowl win after defeating Marshall in the 2023 Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl.

First-Time Meeting and the Road Ahead

This bowl game marks the very first meeting between Coastal Carolina and UTSA in the world of college football, adding a layer of intrigue to the matchup. Both teams have shown their resilience, achieving bowl eligibility for five straight seasons. For Coastal Carolina, this ongoing pursuit of excellence underscores their commitment to competitive football, while UTSA also makes its fifth straight appearance, showcasing a strong program on the rise.

The Impact of the Transfer Portal

The spotlight on this game also underscores a broader trend in college athletics— the profound impact that the transfer portal can have on team compositions and dynamics. With both teams experiencing personnel shifts, fans will be watching closely to see how these changes will affect performance on the field.

Details for Fans

As we count down to kick-off, one thing is for sure: the atmosphere at Brooks Stadium will be charged with excitement, as both Coastal Carolina and UTSA look to prove themselves on a national stage. Can Coastal Carolina overcome their quarterback challenges and secure a win? Or will UTSA’s experience and momentum carry them to victory? Only time will tell!