Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009

Coastal Carolina notebook: Defense proves porous late in season

CHARLESTON

For much of the season it appeared that Coastal Carolina's defense had improved after struggling in 2007 and 2008. Perhaps the unit showed its true stripes the last two weeks.

After surrendering 487 yards to Presbyterian last week, Charleston Southern shredded the Chants for 437, including 239 on the ground, in a 30-23 win Saturday.

Despite throwing two interceptions, Charleston Southern quarterback A.J. Toscano completed 18-of-26 passes for 198 yards. Five-foot-5 tailback Antwan Ivey did most of the damage, gaining 145 yards on 19 carries (7.6 per attempt). He became the first Charleston Southern player to go over 100 yards rushing in game in the Buccaneers' last 27 contests.

"I knew I really didn't have to do much," Ivey said. "The holes opened up so wide you could have driven a truck through them."

Though the numbers are certainly skewed by playing two FBS opponents, Coastal finished the season giving up 176.9 rushing yards per game, 9 yards worse than last year's unit. The Chants did allow 17 less pass yards this season.

Sack master

Coastal defensive end Phillip Oboh etched his name in the Big South record book on Saturday with his 17th career sack. The senior entered the game needing just one sack to break school and conference records.

In the second quarter, Toscano dropped back to pass from Coastal's 1 on third down. Oboh dropped him for a 7-yard loss, forcing a field goal and setting a new mark.

Former Coastal defensive end Adrain Grady was the previous record-holder at 16.5.

Double the fun

Coastal junior safety Dominique Davenport entered the season without a career interception. He changed that with his first pick against Towson earlier this year. On Saturday, he doubled his career total, snagging both of Toscano's misdirected attempts.

"Sometimes it's just being in the right place at the right time and trying to go up and make a play," said Davenport, who had a team-high 11 tackles.

Odds and ends

Coastal starting quarterback Zach MacDowall left late in the game after suffering an apparent concussion, Coastal coach David Bennett said. MacDowall was 15-for-30 for 167 yards, no touchdowns and one interception. ... Coastal averaged just 3.6 yards per carry against the nation's worst rush defense. Charleston Southern was giving up 237 yards per game coming in but limited the Chants to 146 on 46 carries. ... Four Coastal players had to wear different jerseys after some of the team's white jerseys were mistakenly left at home. Marcus Lott (No. 19 to 3), Desmond Steward (16 to 50), Corey Hawkins (42 to 22) and Ryan Boehm (67 to 78) were the players affected. ... Charleston Southern returned an interception for a touchdown in each of its final three games and had nine total picks over that span. ... All of the Buccaneers' conference games were decided by two touchdowns or less.