From The Deep -- Gulf Coast University Barracudas

[YaBoyRobRoy]

Gulf Coast Opens Conference Play With Solid Win

Miami, FL — Gulf Coast University made a statement in its Conference USA opener on Saturday night, rolling past Tulsa 34–7 behind a suffocating defensive performance at home.

The Barracudas’ defense set the tone early and never let up, holding the Golden Hurricane to just 153 total yards of offense while limiting Tulsa to 3.3 yards per play. Gulf Coast consistently won the battle up front, finishing the night with three sacks and two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown to put the game firmly out of reach.

Tulsa struggled to find any rhythm as Gulf Coast forced short drives and capitalized on mistakes, turning defense into offense throughout the evening. The scoop-and-score touchdown proved to be a momentum-swinging moment, igniting the crowd and widening the gap before halftime.

Offensively, the Barracudas leaned on a steady ground attack. Running back Kejon Owens continued his strong start to the season, posting his second consecutive 100-yard performance. Owens rushed for 127 yards and added a touchdown, providing balance and control as Gulf Coast methodically wore down the Tulsa defense.

With the win, Gulf Coast opens conference play on a high note and improves its momentum heading into Week Two of C-USA action. The Barracudas will look to make it three straight victories next week when they travel to Houston, Texas to take on the Rice Owls.

[YaBoyRobRoy]

[YaBoyRobRoy]

Freeport State Falls To Coastal Carolina In Sun Belt Opener

Conway, SC -- The Devil Wave suffered their first loss in school history, as well as conference play, falling to the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers on Saturday, 27-21.

The running game shined in this one as both starting running backs had themselves career days. Ja'Vin Simpkins was a force to be reckoned with in the win, eclipsing the century mark after just eight carries. He got things going early as he rumbled for a 61-yard score to put the Chants up 10-0 in the first quarter. On the next drive Cam Cook showed why he's one of the best backs in the nation, dashing 80-yards untouched to put Freeport State on the board.

Just before the halftime break quarterback Gavin Wimsatt connected with Michael Pettway for a 29-yard gain, then scored on a 2-yard touchdown run to cut their deficit down to just three points.

They continued where they left off in the second half, methodically driving down the field and taking their first lead of the game thanks to a 4-yard touchdown pass to Deondre Johnson. However, Simpkins decided to take matters into his own hands, breaking free for a 54-yard run to set up a field goal. Then on the next drive ran for 48 yards to set up a 9-yard touchdown pass by MJ Morris.

With just over a minute left Wimsatt was intercepted and it seemed that all hope of a FSU win was lost.

Coastal Carolina made an interesting decision facing a 4th and 2 up six and in field goal range. Instead of going for the field goal to make it a two possession game, they not only went for it but passed the football, turning it over on downs after Morris' pass sailed out of bounds.

A 40-yard screen pass to Cook gave the team some life, bringing the ball to the Coastal Carolina 45-yard line. A 10-yard completion was followed by a 10-yard scramble by Wimsatt. With no timeouts and thirty seconds remaining, Chanticleer edge rusher Ibrahim Diawara surged past his blocker and made the biggest play of the game sacking Wimsatt for a loss of six. This burned crucial seconds off the clock and the game would end after a short scramble on the next play.

[djp73]

Which stadiums yall using?

[The JZA]

Coming in hot with those loud ass colors, but I dig it though. GL with this fam

[Soapy]

Daytona State too much like Duke

[Caesar]

Oof. Almost had everyone starting the season with wins