BYU Cougars at Coastal Carolina Chanticleers Betting Preview

College Gameday goes to a non-Power Five game at least once a year, and ESPN decided to send the team to Myrtle Beach this week. The 9-0 Coastal Carolina Chanticleers were originally supposed to take on the Liberty Flames, but a COVID outbreak led to the Flames pulling out of the game on Thursday morning. The 9-0 BYU Cougars immediately filled in to give the Worldwide Leader possibly the most important game of this week. Although BYU must travel cross country on short notice, the Cougars are double-digit favorites against the Chants.

Coastal Carolina will host BYU in the biggest game in school history on Saturday, December 5 at 5:30 p.m. ET on ESPNU.

College Football Betting Odds

BYU -10

Coastal Carolina +10

Total 61

The Chanticleers are 7-0-1 ATS against FBS opponents this season, as their one ATS loss was against FCS Campbell. They have won three games outright as a moneyline underdog, and all but one of their victories was by double digits. Coastal Carolina’s three-point win over Louisiana was its toughest game to this point.

BYU has yet to be tested. The Cougars are 6-2-1 ATS and only one opponent has stayed within 17 points of them. They completely annihilated Boise State in their biggest game of the year, but the Broncos were on their fourth-string quarterback in that game.

BYU Offense vs. Coastal Carolina Defense

Zach Wilson has probably made himself a first-round pick in next year’s NFL Draft with his play this season. Wilson showed a lot of promise as a freshman before regressing last year, but he is looking great once more in 2020. He has completed over 74 percent of his passes for 2,724 yards (11.5 YPA) with 26 touchdowns compared to just two interceptions. Wilson has thrown at least three touchdown passes in five straight games, and he has a QBR of 85 or higher in seven of nine starts.

The Cougars have some talented players at the skill positions. Dax Milne and Gunner Romney each have a chance to surpass 1,000 yards, and they are both averaging at least 18.5 YPR. Tight end Isaac Rex is a reliable red zone option despite being a freshman with eight touchdown receptions. The passing game is a big part of why four of BYU’s last five games have gone over the total.

This ground game is solid with Tyler Allgeier running the ball. He has 851 yards (7.2 YPC) and 11 touchdowns on the year. Lopini Katoa is questionable to play due to an ankle injury, and he will be the primary backup assuming he is healthy enough to be on the field. Katoa didn’t see any action against North Alabama two weeks ago.

Coastal Carolina’s defense hasn’t received anywhere near the attention of the offense. However, the Chanticleers are playing well on this side of the ball. They rank ninth in scoring defense (16.2 PPG) and 13^th in total defense (319.8 YPG). Derick Bush is tied for the national lead with five interceptions, and Tarron Jackson leads the team with 8.5 sacks.

Coastal Carolina Offense vs. BYU Defense

The Chants want to run the ball throughout the evening. Coastal Carolina is one of the most run-heavy teams in the country with 5.1 YPC and 225.6 YPG. C.J. Marable leads the way, but Reese White and Shermari Jones are making sure that this ground game comes at teams in waves.

Grayson McCall is a solid runner too. McCall is averaging 4.9 YPC before sacks are taken out, and he has had an excellent season under center. He has completed 67.2 percent of his passes for 10.0 YPA with 20 touchdowns and one interception.

When Coastal Carolina does take to the air, the primary target is Jaivon Heiligh. Heiligh has 41 receptions for 682 yards and eight touchdowns on the year. Isaiah Likely is averaging 24.9 YPR, while Marable is a quality option in goal-to-go situations.

BYU ranks in the top five in both scoring defense and total defense. Opponents have not been able to run the ball against the Cougars, and only two teams have been able to score at least 20 points. They don’t create a lot of havoc plays, but BYU does an excellent job limiting opponents.

Prediction

This game is being taken on short notice, and that puts BYU at a disadvantage. The public will likely bet on Coastal Carolina as a big home dog in the next two days, so the Cougars are a great bet as a potential single-digit favorite.Follow our Twitter account for the latest sports news and wagering odds, and come to our Instagram