Coastal Carolina Football: 3 Things From Hawaii Bowl Win

To end a season that had plenty of ups and downs, the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers made the long trip to Honolulu for the Hawaii Bowl. They're heading back to Conway with a 24-14 victory over the San José State Spartans. 

The Chanticleers never trailed and prevented SJSU from scoring through the first three quarters. 

With an 8-5 overall record, Coastal Carolina finish their fourth consecutive season with a winning record.

Here's what else stood out from the Chanticleers' second bowl win as FBS members.

Ethan Vasko Makes His Case

With the departures of Grayson McCall (NC State) and Jarrett Guest (still in the portal, Coastal Carolina will need to figure out who their QB1 is for 2024. They did pick up Michigan State’s Noah Kim from the transfer portal, but there’s also the matter of redshirt freshman Ethan Vasko.

Vasko seized his chance to show he belongs in the conversation with a strong performance in the Hawaii Bowl. 

Vasko was named the game's Most Valuable Player after completing 20-of-33 through the air with 199 yards and three touchdowns while also rushing for a team-high 50 yards on 17 carries.

Sam Pinckney's One Handed Grab

Senior wideout Sam Pinckney made a difference-making touchdown catch in the fourth quarter. Vasko found Pinckney in the corner of the end zone, where Pinckney could make a one-handed catch with Spartan defensive back all over him.

Pinckney finished with eight catches for 123 yards and a touchdown. 

Stout Chants Defense

Coastal’s red zone defense played exceptionally well on Saturday. San José State reached the red zone three times. One trip resulted in a touchdown, one a missed field goal, and the other a lost fumble.

Cornerback Matthew McDoom broke up a game-high four passes. Teddy Tiokeng and Abraham Temoney III each forced a fumble.