HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Coastal Carolina secured a narrow 27-21 victory over Marshall on Saturday, propelled by an impressive defensive performance that saw the Chanticleers force six turnovers. The team built a commanding 27-point lead before fending off a late surge from the Thundering Herd.
Dominic Lee-Knicely was a standout for Coastal Carolina, rushing for 169 yards and a touchdown. The Chanticleers, now 2-4 overall and 1-1 in the Sun Belt Conference, controlled the first half and led 13-0 at halftime. The momentum continued into the second half when Lee-Knicely broke free for a 70-yard touchdown run on the first play, boosting the lead to 20-0. Just minutes later, Jaden Allen-Hendrix contributed a 2-yard touchdown run, extending Coastal Carolina’s advantage to 27-0.
Marshall, with a record of 3-3 and 0-2 in conference play, responded late in the third quarter when Judah Price scored on a 50-yard run, marking the Thundering Herd’s first points of the game. Marshall’s comeback continued as quarterback Zion Turner connected with Price for a 9-yard touchdown with 2:52 left in the game, narrowing the gap to 27-14. Less than a minute later, Turner threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to Owen Sweeney, bringing the score to 27-21.
Lee-Knicely averaged 6.8 yards per carry over 25 attempts and added three receptions for 42 yards. Price led Marshall’s rushing attack with 124 yards and a touchdown, while Turner registered 219 passing yards with two touchdown passes.
Following the loss, Marshall will take a break before hosting South Alabama on October 20. Coastal Carolina will return to action next Friday when they host Appalachian State.
