:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65037708/1029347206.jpg.0.jpg)
The Jayhawks will host Coastal Carolina in week 2 this season. It will be the first meeting overall between the two programs, the first in a 2-for-1 series over the next three seasons. CC recently completed the transition to FBS just two years ago, in 2017, and has only been playing football since 2003.
Last season the Chanticleers fired coach Joe Moglia following a 5-7 campaign. Jamey Chadwell has taken over the reigns and looks to lead CC to its first winning season at the FBS level.
Game Info
Coastal Carolina @ Kansas
September 7, 2019: 6:00 PM
Lawrence, KS: Memorial Stadium (50,071)
About the CC Offense
Last season, CC was a run-heavy team, credited with rush attempts on a whopping 65.8% of its offensive plays. Coastal Carolina returns 63% of its offensive production from 2018. The Chanticleers lose their starting QB, and will likely turn to SO Fred Payton to take over calling signals. Leading rusher JR C.J. Marable averaged 6.1 ypc on just 118 carries last season, but will be looking for help as the next two top rushers (in terms of attempts) are gone. CC also loses last season’s leading receiver, but returns the next two in terms of production in SR Ky’Jon Tyler and SO Jeremiah Miller.
Looking at CC’s week 1 depth chart from last season, the Chanticleers return eight starters on offense, including nearly the entire offensive line. In fact, 9 of the 10 players on last year’s O-line 2-deep would have been back for this season, but offensive lineman Brock Hoffman transferred to Virginia Tech.
About the CC Defense
Similar to the offense, the defense returns eight starters as well. In fact, all but one of the 2-deep of the front seven is back for CC in 2019. It would have been all of them, but DE Jeffrey Gunter transferred to NC State. In total, 73% of their defensive production is back, including 7 of their top 9 tacklers from 2018.
Preseason Rankings
In Bill Connelly’s pre-spring S&P+ ranking back in February, out of all 130 teams he ranked Coastal Carolina at #116, surrounded by teams like Georgia State, New Mexico, San Jose State, and Navy.
Meanwhile, Athlon also ranked all 130 teams in pre-spring as well back in March, and has the Chanticleers at #125.
For reference, the Jayhawks were ranked #107 by S&P+ and #106 by Athlon.
Foolish Prediction
Coastal Carolina returns a deep and experienced roster for the 2019 season. However, they did lose some talent via transfer to FBS schools in the offseason. Still, there is no doubt the Chanticleers feel they will have a good chance at victory when they get to Memorial Stadium on September 7.
I’m obviously not an expert, but I would expect CC to retain its run-heavy identity under the new head coach, as current HC Jamey Chadwell coached CC through the 2017 season on an interim basis. So all Kansas has to do is stuff the run, right?
Right.
But can they? KU is breaking in an entirely new front seven. I believe Kansas will have the talent advantage over CC, but the Chanitcleers will obviously have the experience advantage. However, KU should also have other inherent advantages, things like coaching, training, and the home field. I think this is the type of matchup where Les Miles can make a difference.
It may be close for a quarter or a half, but if it’s still close going into the fourth quarter, any optimism I may have for the rest of the season will likely vanish. Kansas 41, Coastal Carolina 24.