Neither regular-season QB is available for Coastal Carolina, leaving unseasoned freshmen with no experience lining up behind center. This spread should be higher as UTSA will win this in blowout fashion.
Jeremy Jones • Betting Analyst
Dec 23, 2024 • 08:18 ET • 4 min read
It’s a home game for the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers as they play host to the UTSA Roadrunners in the Myrtle Beach Bowl at Brooks Stadium in Conway, South Carolina.
My Coastal Carolina vs. UTSA predictions see the Roadrunners trampling the Chanticleers despite the home faithful on December 23, with an early 11 a.m. ET kickoff on ESPN.
Coastal Carolina vs UTSA prediction and best bet
Who will win Coastal Carolina vs UTSA?
The UTSA ML is sitting at -450 on Sunday afternoon and the Roadrunners are big favorites for a reason. The Roadrunners should see almost their entire squad from the regular season, as there have been no key opt-outs on either side of the ball.
Meanwhile, the Chanticleers will be without any quarterback who has ever played a snap in college football. They will also likely be without nine other starters and several contributing backups. That will just be too much to overcome, even when playing at home.
My best bet
UTSA -11.5 (-110 at BetMGM)
Picks made at time of writing may not reflect live odds.
My analysis
The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers had a solid offense this season but will be down several key contributors. Both quarterbacks are in the transfer portal and not playing in this bowl game. That leaves nothing but freshmen who have never played a snap in college football.
It appears they will go with redshirt freshman and incoming transfer Tad Hudson at quarterback for the Myrtle Beach Bowl. Hudson was a 4-star recruit in the 2023 class and committed to North Carolina. However, he was redshirted and never saw the field for either UNC or Coastal Carolina in the past two seasons, so hype from high school can probably be tempered.
Meanwhile, the UTSA Roadrunners had one of the most explosive offenses in the country, ranking 36th in scoring and 16th in total yards. The only question marks they have on offense are running backs Robert Henry and Kevorian Barnes. Barnes is in the portal, but he is still with the team. However, they both missed the season finale and are questionable with injuries.
However, even if both miss this game, quarterback Owen McCown has been deadly in both the passing game and run game. The Chanticleers rank 105th in points allowed and 101st in total yards allowed. They will also be without their best defender, Clev Lubin, and likely four other defensive starters.
If both teams were at full strength, I would still like the Roadrunners to rack up points. Now, with all of the opt-outs and injuries on Coastal Carolina, they will be able to with even greater ease. This should be a blowout.
Coastal Carolina vs UTSA same-game parlay (SGP)
This will be a very simple same-game parlay of just the spread and the total combined. This should be a blowout, so the 10.5-point spread will be the starting point.
We will also add the Over to our SGP. Even though there are many question marks around the Coastal Carolina offense with several key players out, the UTSA defense has still allowed 31.3 points per game this season. I certainly don’t expect a number that high but Coastal will be able to put up some points late.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Up to $1,500 in bonus bet insurance at BetMGM
Make your football plays at BetMGM, which is offering new users up to $1,500 in bonus bets (if your first bet doesn’t win)!
Sign up now to join the King of Sportsbooks, or learn more with our comprehensive BetMGM sportsbook review.
Eligible U.S. locations only. Also, see our full list of BetMGM bonus codes.
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
More bowl game picks and odds from Covers
Coastal Carolina vs UTSA odds
Coastal Carolina vs UTSA live odds
Coastal Carolina vs UTSA opening odds
- Coastal Carolina vs. UTSA spread: UTSA -6.5 (-110)
- Coastal Carolina vs. UTSA moneyline: Coastal Carolina +185, UTSA -225
- Coastal Carolina vs. UTSA Over/Under: 57.5
Odds courtesy of BetMGM
Coastal Carolina vs UTSA spread and Over/Under analysis
- The spread opened at UTSA -6.5 but all the opt-outs moved it to 11.5 as of Sunday afternoon.
- UTSA covered the final four games of the regular season and Coastal Carolina has covered only three of the last 10.
- The total opened at 57.5 but has moved down to 55.5 as of Sunday afternoon.
- Six of the last seven UTSA games have gone Over the total.
Coastal Carolina vs UTSA betting trend to know
Coastal Carolina has only covered the Spread in six of their last 13 games. Find more college football betting trends for Coastal Carolina vs UTSA.
Coastal Carolina vs UTSA game info
Location: Brooks Stadium, Conway, SC Date: Monday, 12-23-2024 Kickoff: 11:00 a.m. ET TV: ESPN
Coastal Carolina vs UTSA latest injuries
Looking for who’s opted out of this game? Check out our updated college football bowl game opt-out tracker.
Coastal Carolina vs UTSA weather
Monitor gametime conditions with our College football weather info.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
