As Coastal Carolina football beat Texas State, one wide receiver broke an NCAA record

Coastal Carolina won its fifth straight game Saturday, and a CCU wide receiver made history.

The Chants (7-3) bested Texas State (6-4), 31-23, in a Sun Belt Conference matchup as Coastal extended its winning streak to five.

Wide receiver Sam Pinckney stole the show for CCU with his 55th consecutive game with a reception, breaking the NCAA record for most consecutive games with a catch, previously held by Central Michigan’s Bryan Anderson, from 2006-09.

Once again, CCU third-string quarterback Ethan Vasko made the start, throwing for 145 yards and two touchdowns.

Coastal seemed to have the game in hand, up 18 as the fourth quarter began, but CCU took its foot off the gas. After only allowing seven yards through the second and third quarter combined, the Chants gave up two touchdowns that allowed the Bobcats back in the game.

CCU held on to win, but Coastal head coach Tim Beck acknowledged becoming conservative at the end of the game.

“I didn’t want to turn the ball over,” Beck said. “I think it came back and hurt us, and that’s on me.”

Beck added the fourth-quarter performance made the win less enjoyable. “I would’ve liked to enjoy (the fourth quarter) and not be going crazy,” he said.

The Chants have also seen a change in fortune running the ball. CCU was one of the worst running teams in the Sun Belt to start the season. But against Texas State, Coastal ran for more than 150 yards for the sixth straight week.

Sam Pinckney makes history for CCU

Pinckney’s milestone came on the Chants’ first offensive play. Vasko shuffle-passed it to Pinckney, who was stopped immediately for a seven-yard loss.

It was a historic play, nonetheless. Beck said after the game that Coastal started the game with the pass to give Pinckney the record.

“I’m very blessed,” Pinckney said. “I didn’t even know about (the record) until last week... it’s just an honor.”

Beck added he is proud of Pinckney’s accomplishment.

“Think of all the receivers who’ve played college football,” Beck said. ‘How cool is that? I’m so happy for him … I’m glad I could be along for the ride.”

All season, Pinckney has been Coastal’s go-to receiver, with more than 760 yards receiving, and he delivered against Texas State.

At the beginning of the third quarter, the game was seemingly at a turning point. A penalty on the kickoff had put CCU on its six-yard line. Up 21-10, a Chants’ touchdown would put them comfortably ahead and possibly seal the Bobcats’ fate.

If CCU couldn’t get anything going on their first drive of the second half, Coastal would give Texas State good field position on the ensuing punt.

Vasko fired a pass to Pinckney, who fought his way forward to the 26. The play gave the Chants the breathing room they needed, and they scored a touchdown on that drive. Pinckney finished the game with six catches for 81 yards and a touchdown.

Grayson McCall’s health ‘trending positively’

More details about CCU starting quarterback Grayson McCall’s continued absence have come out.

The three-time Sun Belt Player of The Year again attended CCU’s win, and he threw passes with the quarterbacks before the game despite not being dressed for action. McCall has been out since suffering an apparent head injury against Arkansas State.

Beck said during his midweek presser on Wednesday, Oct. 8, that McCall was having “more good days than bad days” and had multiple medical appointments scheduled on the eighth.

McCall posted a photo of himself on an Instagram story with the caption “Free 10” later that day. Beck declined to say what the results were from McCall’s doctor’s appointment, but said his status was “trending positive.”

“Our football team doesn’t even know,” Beck said after the game. “I don’t want our football team reading about what Grayson is going through from (the media). I want them to hear it from (McCall) first.”

McCall said before the 2023 season it would be his last in Conway, according to MyHorryNews, and he said he is intent on fulfilling his dream of playing in the NFL.

After CCU’s win against Texas State, Beck said he hadn’t talked to McCall about whether Grayson was still planning on declaring for the NFL Draft.

“That I don’t know. We really haven’t talked much about that,” Beck said after the game. “He might have; I haven’t ... We try to shield (the media ) from him because it’s a constant wear on him.”

Beck concluded that once McCall’s ready, “he’ll be ready to say or do whatever it is he wants to do that point.”

McCall wasn’t the only injury news. Linebacker Shane Bruce did not play, as he was injured before the game; the redshirt junior stood on the sideline with a boot on his foot.

Beck said after the game Bruce had an ankle injury that wouldn’t require surgery. It wasn’t announced prior to the contest Bruce was out.

CCU will go back on the road for its last away game of the regular season. The Chanticleers will face the Army Black Knights at West Point on Saturday, Nov. 18.

This will be Coastal’s second matchup against Army. CCU will receive $200,000 for playing the game as part of an ongoing contract between the two schools, The Sun News previously reported.

Game 11: CCU at Army

Gameday: Saturday, Nov. 18

Kickoff time: Noon

Location: Michie Stadium, West Point, N.Y.

Where to watch: CBS Sports Network

CCU’s all-time record against Army: 1-0