The Sun Belt conference opener featured an undefeated, but unproven Georgia State team and a Coastal Carolina team whose only loss came from a close battle at UCLA. Both teams had the urge to surge ahead and sit atop the Sun Belt for week one.
The crowd on this Thursday night in Conway fueled the stands with enthusiasm. Fans obeyed the whiteout at Brooks Stadium with gleaming white apparel and rally towels. The Chanticleer team equaled the charge with all whites from helmet to shoes. Per tradition, Chauncey the Chanticleer led the team out on his teal motorcycle through a path of revving motorcycles. The fans were absolutely juiced.
However, the Panthers had their hands on the wheel for the majority of this contest. Leading 17-3 at halftime, Georgia State disintegrated the stadium’s energy as Teal Nation slowly trickled out of the stadium. There were moments of life from the Chants, but the Panthers always responded and turned away any hope closing the game with a 30-17 win.
Oddly enough, the road team has emerged victorious in each of the seven matchups between these two. Coastal still has much to play for as they look ahead to three straight Sun Belt road tilts. For Georgia State, the 4-0 start is their best in the program’s young history. The next milestone to attain is their first conference championship.
