Collier’s 4 TDs power Coastal Carolina to bowl win

**Collier’s Dual-Threat Dominance Powers Coastal Carolina to Myrtle Beach Bowl Victory**

**MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.** – Samari Collier delivered a career-defining performance, dazzling both through the air and on the ground, to lead Coastal Carolina to a dominant 44-27 victory over Marshall in the Myrtle Beach Bowl on Thursday, December 14th, at Brooks Stadium. The Chanticleers’ redshirt freshman quarterback was named the game’s Most Valuable Player for his heroic efforts, capping a rollercoaster season with a resounding home win.

Collier was the undeniable engine of the Coastal Carolina offense, showcasing a potent dual-threat capability that Marshall struggled to contain. He completed 14 of 21 passes for 196 yards and two pivotal touchdowns, consistently extending plays and finding open receivers. Not content with just aerial heroics, Collier also gashed the Thundering Herd defense for 75 rushing yards on 10 carries, adding two more touchdowns himself. His four total touchdowns accounted for a significant portion of Coastal’s offensive output.

“Samari really stepped up in a major way tonight,” said Coastal Carolina Head Coach Tim Beck after the game. “He showed tremendous poise for a young quarterback in a high-pressure situation, making big plays with his arm and his legs. Our guys rallied around him, and it was incredible to watch him perform on this stage.”

The Chanticleers didn’t start strong, falling behind 7-0 early after a Marshall touchdown. However, Collier and his teammates quickly regrouped, turning the tide with a flurry of scores. By halftime, Coastal Carolina had built a commanding 31-13 lead, a testament to their resilience and explosive playmaking.

While Collier’s performance headlined the win, he was far from the only Chanticleer making significant contributions. Special teams proved pivotal when Liam Gray electrified the home crowd with an 80-yard punt return for a touchdown, showcasing exceptional vision and speed. The defense also got in on the scoring, as Mateo Sudano scooped up a Marshall fumble and rumbled 67 yards to the end zone, adding to Coastal Carolina’s momentum and further demoralizing the Thundering Herd. Running back Kendall Ott also chipped in with 83 rushing yards and a touchdown, adding another dimension to the ground attack.

“We talk all the time about complementary football, and we saw that tonight,” Collier commented. “When special teams and defense are scoring, it just gives the offense so much more confidence. It was a complete team effort.”

Marshall’s senior running back, Rasheen Ali, did his best to keep his team in the contest, rushing for 132 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries. However, his efforts were overshadowed by costly turnovers. Thundering Herd quarterback Cam Fancher threw for 190 yards and a score but was intercepted twice, with both turnovers proving pivotal in swinging momentum firmly towards Coastal Carolina.

“Credit to Coastal Carolina; they played a great football game,” said Marshall Head Coach Charles Huff. “We made too many mistakes, especially with the turnovers, and you can’t do that against a good team in a bowl game. Our guys fought hard, but it wasn’t enough tonight.”

This victory marked Coastal Carolina’s third straight win, allowing them to finish their season with a respectable 8-5 record. For the Chanticleers, members of the Sun Belt Conference, hosting and winning their first bowl game at Brooks Stadium provided a significant boost to the program and a thrilling conclusion to Tim Beck’s second season at the helm. The festive atmosphere saw an official attendance of 12,042, with the home crowd creating a vibrant setting for the bowl game.

Marshall, representing Conference USA, concluded their year on a two-game losing streak, bringing their final record to 6-7. The loss prevented the Thundering Herd from securing a winning season and leaves them with questions heading into the offseason.

For Coastal Carolina, the Myrtle Beach Bowl win serves as a powerful statement, demonstrating the program’s ability to overcome adversity and finish strong. With Collier’s breakout performance, the future in Conway, S.C., looks bright.

*For more information on the Myrtle Beach Bowl, visit myrtlebeachbowl.com.*