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Coastal Carolina’s turnover problems haunted the Chanticleers Saturday night, as Old Dominion grabbed a 21-8 road win. The Monarchs capitalized on a series of costly mistakes by Coastal, forcing six turnovers and scoring multiple touchdowns off those mistakes
Both defenses came out firing, forcing four consecutive three-and-outs to open the game. However, poor field position following a short Roland Podesta punt gave Old Dominion an opportunity to get on the board. Quinn Henicle led the Monarchs on a short-field drive, finishing it with a third-down touchdown run to give ODU a 7-0 lead.
Just two plays into Coastal’s next offensive possession, Bailey connected with Clayton Coppock for a big completion. However, Bailey fumbled the ball on the mesh, allowing Old Dominion’s Mario Thompson to scoop it up and return it for a touchdown. The quick turnaround put the Monarchs ahead 14-0.
After a big fourth-down pass breakup by linebacker Marcellius Pulliam, the Chanticleers were able to put together a drive of their own. Coastal reached the red zone but was unable to find the end zone. Nico Cavanillas Alti connected on a field goal to get the Chants on the board, making it 14-3 with nine minutes remaining in the quarter.
Coastal’s turnover problems continued later in the half with another fumble on the handoff mesh by Bailey. Old Dominion took advantage, as quarterback Jaxon Potter found Leon Haughton Jr. wide open in the end zone for a touchdown with just 23 seconds remaining.
The Chanticleers managed to get points back before halftime, however. Bailey found Hinton for a long pass, setting up Cavanillas Alti for a 44-yard field goal to make the score 21-6 at the break.
Halftime: Old Dominion 21, Coastal Carolina 6
In the first half, Coastal managed just four net rushing yards, continuing a trend that has been a glaring problem for the Chants. The offense also converted just one of its nine third-down attempts and fumbled five times, losing two of them.
Coastal had an opportunity to get back into the game in the second half when Bailey connected with wide receiver Krosse Johnson on a 37-yard pass to move the Chants inside the 10-yard line. However, Ja’Mez Drummer intercepted Bailey on third down, ending what appeared to be Coastal’s first touchdown drive of the game.
Outside of a safety by the Chanticleer defense in the fourth quarter, neither team found much offensive success late in the game. Bailey threw multiple interceptions in the final quarter, prompting Coastal to turn to Tre Guerra at quarterback. Two plays after entering the game, Guerra threw an interception of his own.
Old Dominion was able to run out the clock in the final five minutes to secure the 21-8 victory.
The story of Coastal Carolina’s night was turnovers, as the Old Dominion defense forced six takeaways while also creating several other fumbles that the Monarchs were unable to recover.
“That was absolutely one of the worst performances I’ve been a part of in a long time,” Beard said. “You cannot turn the football over that many times and expect to win the game.”
Bailey finished the night 17-for-33 for 233 yards and three interceptions while also losing multiple fumbles. Guerra went 2-for-7 with an interception after entering the game.
Head coach Ryan Beard did not rule out either quarterback, as well as Trever Jackson, and Osiris Lopez, starting next weekend.
“This is not dump on Deuce day, okay?” Beard emphasized. “He was not good today, but such is life. That happens. If he answers the bell and he comes back and responds the appropriate way, there’s nothing to say he won’t be the quarterback next week, but yes, everything is being evaluated at this time.”
Rushing continues to be a problem for Coastal Carolina, which finished with just 20 total rushing yards. Dominic Lee-Knicely recorded 14 yards on 10 carries, while Jaden Allen-Hendrix finished with 24 yards.
For the Monarchs, their two-quarterback rotation played solidly. Henicle saw most of his action in the first quarter, completing all four of his passes while adding a rushing touchdown. Potter finished with 150 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Defensively, Zion Frink finished with a tackle for loss and an interception for Old Dominion. Thompson, Brandon Crutchfield and Tavares Murray Jr. also recorded interceptions.
For Coastal Carolina, captain Marcellius Pulliam led the way with 22 total tackles, continuing to rank among the nation’s leaders in the category. Ja’Marion Wayne also recorded an interception for the Chanticleers.
Coastal Carolina falls to 3-6 overall and 2-3 in Sun Belt play. The Chanticleers will remain at home next weekend for their home finale against Arkansas State.
Old Dominion improves to 3-7 overall and 2-5 in conference play. The Monarchs will have a bye week before returning to action against UConn.