Following a heartbreaking 37-31 loss to FCS opponent Holy Cross, UB (0-3) found itself in a must-win scenario heading into Week 3’s matchup against Coastal Carolina (3-0). But the Chants proved to be a difficult feat this past Saturday as the Bulls fell, 38-26, at Brooks Stadium in Conway, SC.
UB has lost three consecutive games to start the season, but seven in a row dating back to last season (second-worst in FBS).
The biggest challenge for the Bulls this past Saturday was the explosive Chanticleers offense. Coastal Carolina redshirt junior quarterback Grayson McCall led the Chants’ offensive attack, going 16-for-24 with 251 passing yards and three touchdowns.
Redshirt sophomore running back CJ Beasley (89 yards and one touchdown) and redshirt senior receiver Sam Pinckney (five catches for 103 yards) were formidable compliments to McCall’s passing attack.
The Bulls’ defense allowed 17 points through three quarters but collapsed in the fourth, as the Chants scored three touchdowns in the final period. Two Coastal touchdowns — including a fumble return score by redshirt junior Jahmar Brown — were scored within two minutes and 10 seconds of each other at the beginning of the fourth quarter.
For the Bulls, junior quarterback Cole Snyder completed 29-of-48 attempts with 264 passing yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Graduate wide receiver Justin Marshall secured eight receptions for 88 yards and a touchdown.
UB’s defense struggled to stop the Chanticleers’ offense, as the Bulls allowed 504 total yards and four touchdowns. Through three games, UB has given up 35.3 pts per game.
The Bulls will look to rebound next week as they travel to Ypsilanti, MI to take on the Eastern Michigan Eagles (2-1) Saturday at 12 p.m. The game will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network.
The sports desk can be reached at sports@ubspectrum.com
