No. 15 Coastal Carolina looks for 7-0 start against Jaguars

Updated Nov. 5, 2020 5:16 p.m. ET

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South Alabama (3-3, 2-1 Sun Belt) at No. 15 Coastal Carolina (6-0, 4-0), Saturday at 8 p.m. EST (ESPNU).

Line: Coastal Carolina by 18.

Series record: South Alabama leads 1-0.

WHAT’S AT STAKE?

How far can the fun-loving Chanticleers take their undefeated season? Coastal Carolina has already set a new high for Sun Belt Conference teams in The AP Top 25. Sure, the global pandemic has altered the college football landscape. But should the Chants keep winning, it’s not out of the question to think of them as New Year’s Six selection.

KEY MATCHUP

Coastal Carolina QB Grayson McCall vs. South Alabama’s pass defense. McCall has been one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the country with 15 touchdown passes against just one interception. The Jaguars have been susceptible to opposing passing attacks, giving up more than 240 yards a game through the air.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

South Alabama: QB Desmond Trotter has thrown for 944 yards and eight touchdowns and run for 77 yards and another score. The sophomore has accounted for 2,038 yards of total offense the past two seasons, already 10th on the school’s career list in that category.

Coastal Carolina: RB CJ Marable heads a strong group of runners for the Chants, leading the way with 338 yards and five touchdowns.

FACTS & FIGURES

Coastal Carolina’s 7-0 start would be its best since joining the FBS in 2017. The Chants were 7-0 as an Football Championship Subdivision program in 2013, 2014 and 2015. ... South Alabama has never played at Coastal Carolina the past three Sun Belt seasons. The Jaguars only trip to the Palmetto State came in 2014 in a loss at South Carolina. ... Coastal Carolina held Georgia State to just 30 passing yards, nearly 200 below its season average coming in. ... South Alabama has never beaten a ranked opponent on the road. It lost at No. 23 Mississippi State in 2012 and at No. 24 Nebraska last season. ... The Jaguars last victory over a Top 25 team was at home over then-19th-ranked San Diego State in 2016. ... Coastal Carolina has allowed just five sacks in six games, tied for seventh nationally in the FBS.

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More AP college football: https://apnews.com/Collegefootball and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25

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Desmond Trotter

Coastal Carolina Chanticleers

South Alabama Jaguars

Georgia State Panthers