COLLEGE FOOTBALL
COASTAL CAROLINA/ BUFFALO CHAMPIONSHIP (PLAYOFFS 1)
11 months ago - 1/18/2025 6:03 PM GMT-3
National Championship Game Preview: #12 Coastal Carolina (12-2) vs. #13 Buffalo (12-2)
Kickoff Time: 8:00 PM EST
Location: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
Broadcast: ESPN
Introduction
The stage is set for an unforgettable national championship as two underdog programs, #12 Coastal Carolina Chanticleers and #13 Buffalo Bulls, face off for the title. Coastal Carolina reached this stage after a thrilling 34-29 victory over Marshall, sealed by a late touchdown with just 31 seconds left. Buffalo, meanwhile, stunned #6 Fresno State with a dominant 33-10 victory, showcasing their defensive strength and punishing ground game.
This championship matchup is the culmination of two improbable playoff runs, with both teams exceeding expectations. Now, it all comes down to one game to determine the best team in college football.
Team Overviews
Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (12-2)
• Head Coach: Tim Beck
• Offense: 39.2 points per game (8th nationally)
• Defense: 27.9 points allowed per game (61st nationally)
• Key Players:
• QB Grayson McCall: 4,400 passing yards, 40 TDs, 6 INTs
• RB Reese White: 1,200 rushing yards, 14 TDs
• WR Sam Pinckney: 1,500 receiving yards, 16 TDs
• LB Josaiah Stewart: 10 sacks, 85 tackles
Coastal Carolina’s offense has been electric throughout the playoffs, led by the leadership and playmaking ability of quarterback Grayson McCall. His connection with wide receiver Sam Pinckney has been unstoppable, and the Chanticleers have consistently found ways to move the ball in high-pressure situations.
Defensively, Coastal Carolina has been opportunistic, forcing key turnovers and making crucial stops. However, their run defense has been inconsistent, which could pose a challenge against Buffalo’s ground-and-pound attack.
Buffalo Bulls (12-2)
• Head Coach: Maurice Linguist
• Offense: 33.8 points per game (22nd nationally)
• Defense: 22.3 points allowed per game (27th nationally)
• Key Players:
• QB Cole Snyder: 3,400 passing yards, 32 TDs, 12 INTs
• RB Mike Washington: 1,750 rushing yards, 20 TDs
• WR Justin Marshall: 1,250 receiving yards, 12 TDs
• DE Daymond Williams: 14 sacks, 5 forced fumbles
Buffalo’s playoff run has been fueled by a stifling defense and an unstoppable rushing attack led by Mike Washington, who has been the heart and soul of the Bulls’ offense. Washington’s ability to control the clock and grind down opposing defenses has been pivotal in their victories over Toledo and Fresno State.
On defense, Buffalo has been dominant in the trenches, with defensive end Daymond Williams wreaking havoc on opposing offensive lines. Their ability to pressure Grayson McCall and contain Coastal’s high-powered passing attack will be key in the championship game.
Key Matchups
1. Grayson McCall vs. Buffalo’s Secondary
• Coastal Advantage: McCall’s ability to extend plays and deliver pinpoint throws makes him a tough matchup for any defense. Buffalo’s secondary must stay disciplined and avoid giving up big plays to Sam Pinckney.
2. Mike Washington vs. Coastal Carolina’s Run Defense
• Buffalo Advantage: Coastal has struggled against elite running backs, and Washington’s combination of power and vision makes him a nightmare to tackle. If he dominates, Buffalo could control the pace of the game.
3. Coastal’s Offensive Line vs. Buffalo’s Defensive Front
• Buffalo Advantage: Led by Daymond Williams, Buffalo’s defensive line has been disruptive throughout the playoffs. If they can pressure McCall and contain Reese White, they’ll have a clear edge.
Keys to the Game
Coastal Carolina Chanticleers
1. Exploit the Passing Game: McCall and Pinckney need to connect on big plays to open up the field and stretch Buffalo’s defense.
2. Improve Run Defense: Coastal must find a way to slow down Mike Washington and force Buffalo into passing situations.
3. Capitalize on Opportunities: Every trip to the red zone must result in touchdowns, as field goals won’t be enough against Buffalo’s ball-control offense.
Buffalo Bulls
1. Control the Clock: Leaning on Mike Washington and dominating time of posses
Kickoff Time: 8:00 PM EST
Location: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
Broadcast: ESPN
Introduction
The stage is set for an unforgettable national championship as two underdog programs, #12 Coastal Carolina Chanticleers and #13 Buffalo Bulls, face off for the title. Coastal Carolina reached this stage after a thrilling 34-29 victory over Marshall, sealed by a late touchdown with just 31 seconds left. Buffalo, meanwhile, stunned #6 Fresno State with a dominant 33-10 victory, showcasing their defensive strength and punishing ground game.
This championship matchup is the culmination of two improbable playoff runs, with both teams exceeding expectations. Now, it all comes down to one game to determine the best team in college football.
Team Overviews
Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (12-2)
• Head Coach: Tim Beck
• Offense: 39.2 points per game (8th nationally)
• Defense: 27.9 points allowed per game (61st nationally)
• Key Players:
• QB Grayson McCall: 4,400 passing yards, 40 TDs, 6 INTs
• RB Reese White: 1,200 rushing yards, 14 TDs
• WR Sam Pinckney: 1,500 receiving yards, 16 TDs
• LB Josaiah Stewart: 10 sacks, 85 tackles
Coastal Carolina’s offense has been electric throughout the playoffs, led by the leadership and playmaking ability of quarterback Grayson McCall. His connection with wide receiver Sam Pinckney has been unstoppable, and the Chanticleers have consistently found ways to move the ball in high-pressure situations.
Defensively, Coastal Carolina has been opportunistic, forcing key turnovers and making crucial stops. However, their run defense has been inconsistent, which could pose a challenge against Buffalo’s ground-and-pound attack.
Buffalo Bulls (12-2)
• Head Coach: Maurice Linguist
• Offense: 33.8 points per game (22nd nationally)
• Defense: 22.3 points allowed per game (27th nationally)
• Key Players:
• QB Cole Snyder: 3,400 passing yards, 32 TDs, 12 INTs
• RB Mike Washington: 1,750 rushing yards, 20 TDs
• WR Justin Marshall: 1,250 receiving yards, 12 TDs
• DE Daymond Williams: 14 sacks, 5 forced fumbles
Buffalo’s playoff run has been fueled by a stifling defense and an unstoppable rushing attack led by Mike Washington, who has been the heart and soul of the Bulls’ offense. Washington’s ability to control the clock and grind down opposing defenses has been pivotal in their victories over Toledo and Fresno State.
On defense, Buffalo has been dominant in the trenches, with defensive end Daymond Williams wreaking havoc on opposing offensive lines. Their ability to pressure Grayson McCall and contain Coastal’s high-powered passing attack will be key in the championship game.
Key Matchups
1. Grayson McCall vs. Buffalo’s Secondary
• Coastal Advantage: McCall’s ability to extend plays and deliver pinpoint throws makes him a tough matchup for any defense. Buffalo’s secondary must stay disciplined and avoid giving up big plays to Sam Pinckney.
2. Mike Washington vs. Coastal Carolina’s Run Defense
• Buffalo Advantage: Coastal has struggled against elite running backs, and Washington’s combination of power and vision makes him a nightmare to tackle. If he dominates, Buffalo could control the pace of the game.
3. Coastal’s Offensive Line vs. Buffalo’s Defensive Front
• Buffalo Advantage: Led by Daymond Williams, Buffalo’s defensive line has been disruptive throughout the playoffs. If they can pressure McCall and contain Reese White, they’ll have a clear edge.
Keys to the Game
Coastal Carolina Chanticleers
1. Exploit the Passing Game: McCall and Pinckney need to connect on big plays to open up the field and stretch Buffalo’s defense.
2. Improve Run Defense: Coastal must find a way to slow down Mike Washington and force Buffalo into passing situations.
3. Capitalize on Opportunities: Every trip to the red zone must result in touchdowns, as field goals won’t be enough against Buffalo’s ball-control offense.
Buffalo Bulls
1. Control the Clock: Leaning on Mike Washington and dominating time of posses
Try Challenge Place app
A complete multiplatform system to make your life easier!
