Coastal Carolina rallied from a 14-point deficit to defeat Appalachian State University (ASU) 45-37 in a thrilling Sun Belt rivalry, overcoming early struggles with a dominant second-half surge.
According to ESPN Plus, Appalachian State quarterback JJ Kohl led the Mountaineers to an early advantage, completing key passes before hitting wide receiver Davion Dozier for a 15-yard touchdown on the opening drive.
After a Coastal field goal by Kian Afrookhteh, Appalachian State struck again when running back Rashod Dubinion scored from 12 yards out to make it 14-3.
Coastal quarterback Samari Collier briefly exited with an injury late in the first quarter, allowing quarterback MJ Morris to step in and immediately provide a spark.
Morris connected with wide receiver Malcolm Gillie on a curl route that Gillie turned into a touchdown, cutting the deficit to 14-10.
Appalachian State QB Kohl continued to find success through the air, later connecting with wide receiver Jayden Barnes for a touchdown to extend Appalachian State’s lead to 21-10.
QB Collier returned for the Chanticleers and helped engineer a drive for a short rushing score, bringing Coastal to 21-17.
Appalachian State then added a late field goal off an interception by defensive back Elijah McCantos, giving the Mountaineers a 24-17 lead at halftime.
Appalachian State extended its lead early in the second half when WR Barnes returned a punt for a touchdown to make it 31-17.
Coastal responded quickly as running back Ja’Vin Simpkins ripped off a long run, and running back Jevon Edwards powered the offense inside the 5-yard line. Collier finished the drive with another rushing touchdown, closing the gap to 31-24.
The Mountaineers kept the pressure on with a fake punt conversion by punter Ian Ratliff, but Coastal’s defense held firm. Linebacker Lionell Whitaker forced a fumble from RB Dubinion near the goal line, forcing Appalachian State to settle for a field goal and a 34-24 lead.
Collier immediately struck back, connecting with wide receiver Jameson Tucker on a deep touchdown pass to make it 34-31.
ASU QB Kohl found WR Dozier again on a 35-yard completion to open Appalachian State’s next drive, but the Chanticleer defense held at the goal line, forcing another field goal to push the score to 37-31.
QB Collier and running back Dominic Knicely then led a determined Coastal drive, with Knicely punching in a one-yard touchdown to give Coastal its first lead of the night at 38-37.
Moments later, Coastal’s defense delivered a crucial fourth-down stop, and RB Jevon Edwards added an 8-yard touchdown run to extend the lead to 45-37.
A facemask penalty wiped away what could have been a game-sealing interception, but CCU defensive lineman Noah Arinze recovered a late fumble to officially seal the deal for Coastal’s victory.
Coastal Carolina’s victory places them in Sun Belt Conference championship conversations and moves their all-game record to 4-3 and a 3-1 conference record overall.
Coastal will look to continue their two-game winning streak at home against Marshall on Thursday, Oct. 30, at 7:30 p.m.
