In an exciting second half, Coastal Carolina was able to hold off San Jose State from a late-game comeback to win the Hawai’i Bowl 24-14. It was a game the Chanticleers dominated in the first half, but the Spartans fought hard in the second. This turned a lopsided game into a thrilling one down the stretch. One of the most impressive things about the game though was the quarterback play in key moments.
Quarterback Showdown in Hawai’i
The quarterbacks from both Coastal Carolina and San Jose State showed a great deal of competitive spirit in this game. Coastal quarterback Ethan Vasko was in just his fifth collegiate start and first in a bowl game. It would be hard to tell with how well he played though. Especially in moments when he needed to make plays for the Chants. He finished the game completing 20 of his 33 pass attempts for 199 yards and three touchdowns. All three touchdowns were to different receivers. He also was the Chants leading rusher for the game rushing 17 times for 50 yards.
One Chanticleer who helped his freshmen quarterback settle in his first bowl game was wide receiver Sam Pinckney. The senior receiver has been key all season for Coastal Carolina and continued to be special in Hawai’i. Pinckney showed out and made some great plays. One of which was the one-handed grab in the end zone to put the Chanticleers back up two scores late in the fourth quarter. Pinckney finished with eight receptions for 123 yards and a touchdown.
San Jose State quarterback Chevan Cordeiro was determined not to be undone in his home state though. Cordeiro used his arms and legs to make as many plays as he could to keep the Spartans in the game. He finished the game completing 16 passes out of 30 attempts for 215 yards and a touchdown. The senior quarterback also rushed the ball seven times for 67 yards. In the end, the Coastal defense was able to come up too big for San Jose State though.
Coastals’ Defense Holds On
The Chanticleer defense made things hard for the San Jose offense all night long. One of the most important things the Coastal defense did was contain running back Kairee Robinson. Coming into the game the Spartans were 6-0 in games Robinson rushed for over 100 yards in. So, the Chants’ defense did not allow him to get 100 yards. Robinson finished the game with 12 carries for 67 yards.
Even better the Coastal Carolina defense was also able to come up with two takeaways off of fumbles by Robinson. One of those fumbles was forced by Saftey Abraham Temoney III. These were not the only big plays this Chants’ defense came up with in important moments. Michael Mason had a huge sack followed by a Keonte Lusk pass break-up to force a San Jose State field goal on their last drive of the game. The Spartans would miss the 32-yard field goal giving the Chanticleers the bowl win.
The Coastal Carolina defense showed up at the right times to hold off the San Jose State comeback. They helped seal the 10-point victory and gave Tim Beck his first bowl win as a collegiate head coach.
