On Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 4:15 p.m. EDT, the South Carolina Gamecocks will host the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers in their final home game of the season at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina. It’s a matchup that feels more like a formality than a rivalry — a classic SEC buy-game — but beneath the surface, it’s layered with frustration, fading hope, and unexpected resilience.
Gamecocks’ Season Collapses Amid High Expectations
South Carolina entered 2025 with modest optimism. But after a 31-30 heartbreaker to Texas A&M on November 15 — where they blew a 28-point lead, the largest in program history — their bowl eligibility vanished. Five straight losses now define their season. Seven of their last eight games have ended in defeat. What’s worse? Six of their last seven opponents were ranked at kickoff. Their last four? All top-12 teams with legitimate College Football Playoff hopes. The schedule didn’t just test them — it broke them.
They’ve won two non-conference games this year, and one of them is on the line Saturday. Against Coastal Carolina, they’re not just playing for pride. They’re playing to avoid a winless home record in non-conference play — a humiliation that would echo through the offseason.
Chanticleers: A Team That Refuses to Quit
Coastal Carolina’s season reads like a Hollywood script. They started 2-3, getting crushed by Virginia, East Carolina, and Old Dominion. Then came the turnaround: four straight wins, including a 40+ point outburst in each game. They punched their bowl ticket, climbed to second in the Sun Belt East, and looked like a team on the rise.
That momentum ended in a 45-40 shootout loss to Georgia Southern on November 15. But here’s the twist: they still covered the spread. And they’ve covered in four of their last five games. Even in defeat, they’ve shown grit. Their offense averages 25.7 points per game — not elite, but consistent. They run for nearly 194 yards a game, and despite their passing struggles (154.4 yards per game, one of the worst in FBS), they’ve found ways to win.
Now, they’re without quarterback Samari Collier, who suffered an injury against Georgia Southern and is unlikely to play. That should hurt. But it also changes the game. Without Collier’s mobility and playmaking, Coastal Carolina becomes more predictable. Yet, they’ve proven they can adapt. Their defense? Ranked 98th in PPA per play since Week 8. They give up yards. They give up points. But they don’t always give up.
The Numbers Tell a Story
The betting lines are lopsided. South Carolina is favored by 23.5 to 24.5 points — the widest spread they’ve seen all season. The over/under sits at 49.5 to 50.5 points. Most analysts expect a blowout. College Football News predicts 38-13. Winners and Whiners bets big on the Gamecocks -24.5 and the over 50.5. SportsChatPlace thinks the over hits because South Carolina’s offense, despite its struggles, still has firepower.
But Hero Sports is the outlier. They predict South Carolina will win — but Coastal Carolina will cover. Why? Because even with Collier out, the Chanticleers have shown they can grind out games. They’ve played four close ones in a row. They’ve played on the road. They’ve played with pressure. And they know this is their chance to end the season on a high note — not just for bowl eligibility, but for respect.
Here’s something else to consider: South Carolina has won the first half in nine of their last 10 non-conference home games. They’ve dominated early. But late? They’ve collapsed. Against Texas A&M, they led 30-3 in the third quarter. They lost by one. If they start slow again, Coastal Carolina — even without their QB — could stay within striking distance.
Why This Game Matters Beyond the Box Score
This isn’t just another game. It’s the last chance for South Carolina fans to see their team play in Columbia this season. The next game? A rivalry showdown with Clemson — a game that means everything, but won’t fix what’s broken.
For Coastal Carolina, it’s about legacy. They’re a Group of Five team playing an SEC school on the road. They’re not supposed to be competitive. But they’ve been competitive in every game since Week 5. They’re not just here to make up the numbers. They’re here to prove they belong.
And for college football? This is the kind of matchup that fuels the debate about the future of the sport. Should SEC teams be scheduling these games? Pickswise calls it a "buy-game," and many fans agree. But when a team like Coastal Carolina shows up ready to compete, even as underdogs, it forces us to reconsider what these games are really for.
What’s Next?
After Saturday, South Carolina heads to Clemson with a 3-8 record. Their 2025 season is over in all but name. The focus shifts to coaching staff reviews, recruiting, and rebuilding. Coastal Carolina, already bowl-eligible, will await their postseason assignment — likely a lower-tier bowl, but still a chance to end the year on a winning note.
The Gamecocks have the talent. The Chanticleers have the heart. The spread says it’s over before it begins. But in college football, the most predictable outcomes are often the ones that surprise you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is South Carolina favored by over 24 points despite being 3-7?
Despite their record, South Carolina is still an SEC team with significantly more talent, depth, and recruiting resources than Coastal Carolina. The Chanticleers are a mid-tier Group of Five program, and this matchup is a textbook "buy-game" — a non-conference contest where an SEC team pays a smaller school to play at home. The spread reflects that talent gap, even if South Carolina’s performance has been inconsistent.
How does Samari Collier’s injury impact Coastal Carolina’s chances?
Collier’s absence removes Coastal Carolina’s most dynamic offensive weapon. He accounted for over 60% of their total offense in recent games and was key in their four-game winning streak. Without him, they’ll rely more on their running game and conservative passing, making them easier to defend. But they’ve shown they can win without him in the past — and their defense, while poor, may be motivated to keep the game close.
Can Coastal Carolina actually cover the 24.5-point spread?
Yes, it’s possible. They’ve covered in four of their last five games, including a 45-40 loss to Georgia Southern where they kept it close despite being underdogs. South Carolina’s defense has struggled late in games, and if the Gamecocks’ offense stalls — or if they take their foot off the gas — Coastal Carolina could stay within 20 points. A 31-17 final would cover. A 38-20 would be a push.
Why is this game called a "buy-game"?
A "buy-game" is when a Power Five school pays a smaller FCS or Group of Five team to play at home, often for a guaranteed payout. It helps the smaller school fund its program while giving the Power Five team an easy win to pad their record. This matchup fits that pattern perfectly — South Carolina gets a home game against a team they’re expected to beat, while Coastal Carolina gets paid and a national TV appearance.
What’s at stake for Coastal Carolina beyond the spread?
Beyond bowl eligibility, Coastal Carolina is fighting for credibility. A close loss to an SEC team on the road would elevate their program’s national profile. A cover would signal they’re not just a sacrificial lamb — they’re a team that competes. For a program that’s risen from FCS to Sun Belt contender, this is a chance to prove they belong on the same field as SEC teams, even if they don’t win.
Will South Carolina’s performance this season affect their coaching staff?
Absolutely. After five straight losses, a 3-7 record, and a collapse against Texas A&M, head coach Shane Beamer is under serious pressure. Fans are calling for changes, and athletic director Ray Tanner will likely evaluate the entire program this offseason. The lack of discipline in late-game situations and poor defensive adjustments are major red flags. If they don’t beat Coastal Carolina decisively, the calls for change will grow louder.
