The Troy Trojans play host to the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers on Saturday with the Sun Belt Championship on the line, from Veterans Memorial Stadium. These two haven't faced off yet this season, though with Coastal Carolina has won the last three meetings, the Trojans will want to flip the script in this one. Coastal Carolina is actually coming off of a 40-point loss, while the Trojans have won nine in a row and playing top-notch football. This one could go either way, though the Trojans will feel great about their chances.
The Chanticleers find themselves in this one even despite having finished second in Group A, thanks to James Madison being ineligible for the conference crown. That means that even despite losing by 40 on the road last week to James Madison, the Chanticleers will still have a chance this weekend. Coastal has still had a successful season by most measures, sitting with a 9-2 record, though the lack of challenges in their schedule leaves more questions than answers as to the direction of how this one might go. With four of their last five wins coming by single digits, there's no doubt that if they do come out on top, it'll be in close fashion.
The Chanticleers don't have a lengthy injury report but the one name on there is key. Grayson McCall (foot) remains out at quarterback in this one, which is a massive blow to Coastal Carolina's chances. With McCall positioning himself as one of the best quarterback s in the country, his absence is bound to play a role in this one.
Coastal to Travel to Troy for 2022 Hercules Tires Sun Belt Championship Game on Saturday, Dec. 3#STRIKETHESTONE | #BEL1EVE | #TEALNATION https://t.co/HEJxlkSRJy
— Coastal Football (@CoastalFootball) November 27, 2022
With McCall ruled out, all eyes will turn to how this offense can not only avoid losing efficiency but do so against one of the nation's stingiest defenses. The Chanticleers come in the middle of the pack on the offensive side of things but they at least have balance, which should keep the Trojans on their toes. Jarrett Guest (1 touchdown, 4 interceptions) will get the ball but his struggles in limited action will likely give way to a run-heavy plan. With a pair of running backs combined for over 1000 yards on the ground this season, they'll need to find a way to control the clock.