It was a wild Saturday afternoon in Boone, North Carolina, as the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers pulled off a dramatic 45-37 comeback victory over their Sun Belt Conference rivals, the Appalachian State Mountaineers, on October 18, 2025. The win not only extended Coastal Carolina’s winning streak against Appalachian State to four games but also marked a pivotal moment in the Chanticleers’ season, propelling them to a 4-3 overall record and a strong 3-1 standing in conference play.
Appalachian State, hosting their homecoming game at Kidd Brewer Stadium, wasted no time in electrifying the crowd. The Mountaineers opened the scoring with a methodical 10-play drive that ended in the end zone, setting the tone for a high-octane matchup. Coastal Carolina answered with a field goal, but the Mountaineers responded with yet another impressive 10-play touchdown drive, stretching their early advantage. Still, the Chanticleers refused to back down—quarterback MJ Morris connected with Malcolm Gillie for a 34-yard touchdown just before the first quarter closed, narrowing the gap to 14-10.
The second quarter was a back-and-forth affair. Appalachian State’s offense continued to click, and by halftime, they held a 24-17 lead over the visitors. The Mountaineers’ momentum carried into the third quarter, where special teams delivered a highlight-reel moment: Jaden Barnes fielded a punt and blazed 77 yards down the sideline for a touchdown. That electrifying return, the first of its kind for Appalachian State since 2018, gave the home team a commanding 31-17 advantage early in the second half.
But the Chanticleers would not be denied. On the ensuing drive, Coastal Carolina orchestrated a 75-yard march capped by Samari Collier’s determined 7-yard touchdown run, immediately cutting the deficit to a single score. Appalachian State managed a field goal to make it 34-24, but the momentum was shifting. Collier, showing poise under pressure, launched a 37-yard touchdown pass to Jameson Tucker. Suddenly, the Mountaineers’ lead was down to just three points as the third quarter expired.
As the fourth quarter began, tension filled the stadium. Coastal Carolina, riding a wave of confidence, put together a 13-play, 75-yard drive that chewed up valuable clock and kept the Mountaineers’ defense on the field. The drive culminated in a pivotal moment: Dominic Knicely powered through the line for a 1-yard touchdown plunge with 3:19 left, giving the Chanticleers their first lead of the game at 38-37. The visiting bench erupted, sensing the game’s momentum had fully swung their way.
Appalachian State’s offense, now trailing for the first time all afternoon, had one last chance. But the Chanticleers’ defense rose to the occasion. The Mountaineers’ final possession ended in disaster when quarterback JJ Kohl was sacked, coughing up the ball. Coastal’s Noah Arinze pounced on the fumble at the Appalachian State 27-yard line, all but sealing the outcome. With the short field, Coastal Carolina added the exclamation point: Jevon Edwards barreled in for an 8-yard touchdown run, capping a remarkable 28-point second half for the Chanticleers.
Statistically, the game was a showcase for several standout performances. Samari Collier led the way for Coastal Carolina, rushing for a game-high 74 yards and two touchdowns, while also passing for 118 yards and a touchdown. He did throw one interception, but his resilience and ability to make big plays in crucial moments were undeniable. MJ Morris contributed with a key touchdown pass to Malcolm Gillie, keeping the Chanticleers within striking distance early on.
For Appalachian State, JJ Kohl put up impressive numbers, completing 27 of 41 passes for 278 yards and two touchdowns. The Mountaineers’ offense was balanced and explosive at times, but turnovers and missed opportunities in the second half proved costly. Jaden Barnes’ 77-yard punt return was a highlight for the home crowd and a reminder of the team’s big-play ability on special teams.
“We just kept fighting,” said a jubilant member of the Chanticleers’ sideline, echoing the team’s never-say-die attitude that has defined their season. “No matter how far down we were, we believed we could come back.”
This victory was more than just another win for Coastal Carolina—it was a statement to the rest of the Sun Belt Conference. The Chanticleers have now won four straight against Appalachian State, a streak that has added extra spice to an already fierce rivalry. Each matchup has delivered its share of drama, but Saturday’s comeback may go down as one of the most memorable in recent series history.
Looking at the broader picture, Coastal Carolina’s ability to rally from a 14-point deficit in the second half speaks volumes about the program’s resilience and depth. With a 3-1 conference record, the Chanticleers remain firmly in the hunt for a Sun Belt title. Their offense continues to evolve, with multiple playmakers stepping up each week, while the defense has shown a knack for delivering in clutch situations—just as they did with the game-sealing fumble recovery late in the fourth quarter.
For Appalachian State, the loss is a bitter pill, especially on homecoming weekend. The Mountaineers now sit at 4-3 overall and 1-2 in Sun Belt play, facing questions about how to close out games and protect leads. Still, there were bright spots—Kohl’s passing, Barnes’ special teams heroics, and the offensive firepower that saw them build a substantial lead early on. Head coach and his staff will no doubt look to regroup as they seek to rebound in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, the rest of the Sun Belt Conference will be taking notice. Coastal Carolina’s surge in the second half, coupled with their recent dominance over Appalachian State, signals that the Chanticleers are a force to be reckoned with as the season heads into its critical stretch. With each win, their confidence grows—and so does the belief that this squad could make another run at the conference crown.
As the sun set over Boone, the Chanticleers celebrated a hard-earned victory, their fans savoring yet another thrilling chapter in this rivalry. With momentum on their side and a roster brimming with talent and heart, Coastal Carolina looks poised for more fireworks as the season unfolds. For Appalachian State, the challenge is clear: regroup, refocus, and prepare for the battles still to come.
