William & Mary vs Coastal Carolina Picks and Prediction – 9/7/2024

William & Mary and Coastal Carolina both enter this game with undefeated records, each having opened the season with decisive victories. William & Mary dismantled VMI 41-7, demonstrating dominance on both sides of the ball, while Coastal Carolina put up an impressive 55-27 win against Jacksonville State. This matchup will test whether William & Mary can handle a step up in competition or if Coastal Carolina will continue to assert its offensive superiority. Dominate the college scene with our College Football picks.

William & Mary’s season opener was a display of balanced and efficient football. Quarterback Darius Wilson led the way, completing 11 of 15 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his precision and control. On the ground, Bronson Yoder contributed 54 yards and a touchdown on just 10 carries, indicating the Tribe’s ability to manage the clock and grind down defenses. Hollis Mathis added a deep threat with 71 receiving yards and a touchdown, giving the Tribe a multi-faceted offensive approach.

Defensively, William & Mary was stifling, allowing only 7 points and limiting VMI to minimal offensive success. This solid defensive performance will be crucial against Coastal Carolina’s high-octane offense. The Tribe will need to maintain offensive efficiency and defensive discipline to stay competitive against a more dynamic Chanticleers team.

Coastal Carolina enters this game with an offense that is already firing on all cylinders. Quarterback Ethan Vasko threw for 249 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in the victory over Jacksonville State, efficiently distributing the ball and keeping the defense on its heels. Ja'Vin Simpkins led the rushing attack with 80 yards on 12 carries, contributing to a balanced offensive approach that accumulated 552 total yards. Tray Taylor was the standout receiver with 98 yards and a touchdown, proving to be a reliable target in key situations. 

However, while the Chanticleers' offense was impressive, the defense showed vulnerabilities, allowing 27 points. To ensure victory against William & Mary, Coastal Carolina must tighten up defensively and not rely solely on outscoring opponents. The Chanticleers will look to exploit any cracks in William & Mary’s defense while aiming to shore up the defense to avoid letting the Tribe hang around in what could become a closer game than anticipated.

Coastal Carolina’s explosive offensive capabilities and the home-field advantage make them the favorites in this matchup. While William & Mary displayed a solid defense in the opener, the Chanticleers’ ability to stretch the field and put up points in a hurry should prove to be the deciding factor. Expect Coastal Carolina to control the game tempo and pull away in the second half. Final Score Prediction: Coastal Carolina wins 38-20.