Ethan Engellau
Staff Writer
After an intriguing week one of college football from Carolina’s colleges, the excitement was bubbling for week two to kick off, and here’s what went down.
No.17 Coastal Carolina coming off their strong week one victory over The Citadel bested Kansas just as easily, defeating the Jayhawks 49-22. The Chanticleers defense took over in the first half. The Chanticleers and the Jayhawks traded touchdowns to begin the game, but Coastal Carolina swung the momentum early by blocking the Jayhawks extra point attempt. On the Jayhawks’ next drive, Alex Spillum of Coastal Carolina blocked the Kansas punt, stuck with the ball, and jumped on it in the endzone for a touchdown. This play, along with three touchdowns from Reese White was more than enough to secure a Coastal Carolina victory. The Chanticleers once again rise in the AP Poll to No.16 and are set to face unranked Buffalo in week three.
The No.24 Tar Heels bounced back in a big way after their loss to Virginia Tech in week one. Between five touchdowns, three passing, and two rushing from Sam Howell, UNC trounced Georgia State 59-17. After a shaky start, this performance puts Sam Howell right back into Heisman contention and is a much-needed confidence boost for a Tar Heel team that struggled to find their offense previously. The Panthers held close in the first half but were outscored 35-7 in the second half as the Tar Heel defense caused two turnovers. This is the energy they need as they match up next week against conference rival Virginia.
Wake Forest continued their reign of terror as they triumphed over Norfolk State 41-16. The Demon Deacons impressed in this game with a fast-paced offense. Their time of possession was slightly over 21 minutes compared to the Spartans approximately 39 minutes of possession. Led by big passing plays between the twenties and easy red zone touchdown runs, Wake Forest controlled this game from start to finish. Wake Forest is proving to be a high-motored offense that can put up big points. They will look to continue their scoring barrage in week three against Florida State.
The 49ers, fresh off their historical win against Duke, cruised to victory against the Gardner-Webb Bulldogs 38-10. Charlotte continues to make history as quarterback Chris Reynolds became the school’s career passing yards leader in this game, eclipsing former Charlotte quarterback Matt Johnson’s record of 5,405 yards. Reynolds only had 103 yards passing in this game, but his arm wasn’t necessary because the 49ers ran for 306 yards as a unit. Four different players had rushing touchdowns for the Niners including Reynolds himself with a 37-yard scramble on their first drive. Charlotte’s future is looking bright, and they look to carry their new-found success into their matchup against Georgia State in week three.
East Carolina fell to the South Carolina Gamecocks 20-17. The Pirates seemed to have this game in hand , but then let it slip away. After a one-play 75-yard touchdown from Jsi Hatfield to start the game for the Pirates, the Gamecocks were beating themselves as drive after drive was killed by penalties and turnovers. After being put into a 14-0 hole, Damani Staley secured a pick-six to salvage the first half for South Carolina. The second half started slow, but after the tables turned and a Pirates pass interference penalty set up the Gamecocks in the red zone, South Carolina tied the game on a 13-yard passing touchdown to Dakereon Joyner.
The teams exchanged field goals on each of their next drives respectively. South Carolina’s defense held strong forcing the Pirates to punt leading to a masterful, clock-draining drive put together by the Gamecocks ending in a game-winning 36-yard field goal by Parker White at the buzzer. The Pirates had many opportunities to put this game away and failed. They fall to 0-2 and look to get into the win column next week against Marshall.
App State proved they are no easy matchup for any ranked opponent as they fought valiantly but ultimately fell to No.22 Miami 25-23. The Mountaineers had some shining moments in this game including a Jalen Virgil 100-yard kickoff return touchdown putting them up 14-12 at the half. However, their lead would fall as they allowed Miami a go-ahead field goal with two minutes left that would seal their fate. This is not a bad loss for the Mountaineers as even Miami coach Manny Diaz paid his respects noting, “App State is a really good football team, they made it tough on us.” App State should carry their heads high as they dive into their next matchup against Elon.
Categories: Sports
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