Chanticleers fall to Arkansas State, 51-17

Coastal Carolina traveled to Jonesboro, Arkansas, this weekend in a SunBelt matchup against the Arkansas State Red Wolves. Unfortunately, the Chanticleers fell short to the defending SunBelt champions at Centennial Bank Stadium. Coastal started the game with the ball and on opening possession, Osharmar Abercrombie had a 55-yard run to the 20. After getting to the nine, Coastal had to settle for a 25-yard field goal, which they missed. Ark. State’s quarterback Justice Hansen started their opening possession off with a touchdown to Chris Murray. It was 7-0 with 8:58 left in the first quarter. After both teams punted, Tyler Keane had completions to many players. A completion of 33 yards to Omar Black, 12 yards to Ky’Jon Tyler and another one of 10 yards to Tyler. After a pass interference call, Abercrombie carried the ball for five strong yards to Ark. State’s one-yard line to end the first quarter. Dalton Demos finished the drive off with a rushing touchdown. His third of the season, his first since the Chanticleers' opening game. The score was tied 7-7 to start second quarter. The rest of the game, Ark. State would capitalize their next two drives. Hansen to Blake Mack for a 10-yard touchdown reception put the Red Wolves up 14-7. After Coastal was forced to punt, the Red Wolves came down the field and after a stop from the Coastal defense, the Red Wolves were forced to kick a 20-yard field goal. The score was 17-7 going into halftime. A 17-yard pass from Hansen to Dijon Pascal gave the Red Wolves a 24-7 lead to start the second half. After a Keane injury in the first half, Kilton Anderson would be the quarterback for the second half. The Chanticleers did nothing on their drive and was forced to punt. Blaise Taylor returned a punt for 50 yards to Coastal’s 25. Defense was able to hold up and force a 22-yard field goal. The Red Wolves stretched their lead to 27-7. After a missed 45-yard field goal by the Chanticleers, Hansen threw to Kendrick Edwards for an 18-yard run, and put the Red Wolves up 34-7 with just under three minutes left in the third quarter. Early on in the fourth after an Ark. State punt, Anderson threw to Chris Jones for a 51-yard touchdown. The extra point was good, leaving the score 34-14 with 12:48 left in the game. Not fazed by the Chanticleers, Hansen threw his fifth touchdown pass to Mack. A 23-yarder that put the Red Wolves up 41-14. Evan Rabon for the Chanticleers and Sawyer Williams for the Red Wolves both traded field goals and the score was 44-17. A fumble by the Chanticleers gave a score for the Red Wolves’ defense. Ronheen Bingham scooped the ball and returned is 28 yards to give us the final score of 51-17. Keane finished 8-of-13 for 98 yards. Anderson finished with 133 passing yards. Black led the CCU receivers with 88 yards and Jones finished with 75. Ark. State’s Hansen threw five touchdowns, was 24-for-37 passing for 286 yards. He also added nine rushes for 68 yards. The loss puts the Chanticleers at 1-5 on the season and 0-3 in conference play. This is the first time that the program has faced a five-game losing streak. The Chanticleers travel to Appalachian State on Oct. 21. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. /