Georgia State vs Coastal Carolina Odds, Picks, and Predictions: Panthers on the Prowl

We have a terrific Sun Belt Conference matchup on tap when the 3-0 Georgia State Panthers meet the 2-1 Coastal Carolina Chanticleers in the conference opener for both groups.

The undefeated Panthers are 6.5-point underdogs with a 63-point total when the two rivals meet at Brooks Stadium in Conway, South Carolina.  

Please join us as we share our best college football odds with free college football picks for Georgia State and Coastal Carolina on Thursday, September 21, 2023.  

Georgia State vs Coastal Carolina best odds

Georgia State vs Coastal Carolina picks and predictions

The Georgia State Panthers are 3-0 for the first time in school history and I like them to stay competitive against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers.

These schools have played each other six times, and the away team has won each game. Georgia State quarterback Darren Grainger was the starting QB for the Panthers in 2021 when they won their first-ever game over a nationally-ranked opponent. And that opponent was none other than the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers.

We’ll get to the Panthers offense in a minute, but I’m backing the underdog Thursday mainly because of the Georgia State defense.

Georgia State has forced seven turnovers already this season and 32 in its last 15 games. This isn’t a fluke. Georgia State also ranked 11th among FBS schools in 2022 with a school-record 25 turnovers gained (13 interceptions, 12 fumble recoveries).

The Panthers defense needed to be rebuilt after losing six starters. Still, the linebacker corps returned nearly intact, and the addition of Clemson transfer Kevin Swint has made that unit one of the best in the country. However, Georgia State is better against the run than the pass and will be tested by the pass-heavy offense led by Chanticleers QB Grayson McCall.

McCall has thrown for 708 yards with four TDs and a couple of interceptions. He’s also been sacked seven times, which bodes well for a defense that survives on sacks and turnovers. Wideout Sam Pinkney has already hauled in a pair of scoring strikes with 244 yards, and he’ll be a problem. A stout rushing defense will aid the Panthers, and they should get enough stops for the offense to keep this one close enough to cover if a win remains out of grasp.

Georgia State must keep the ball out of McCall’s hands, and Grainger leads the type of offense that can score with them. Grainger and RB Marcus Carroll have a combined 574 rushing yards with six TDs and could punish a Coastal Carolina defense that's allowing 174 rushing yards per game. 

Grainger is a capable passer with two big-play wideouts: Robert Lewis and Tailique Williams have combined for 550 receiving yards and six TDs. The Panthers signal-caller has been sacked four times, hasn’t thrown an interception, and faces a defense without much of a pass rush, and three of their six interceptions came last week against Duquesne.

Finally, I like Georgia State to cover the +6.5. The Panthers defense is a turnover machine that should get enough stops and allow the multi-faceted offense a chance to keep this game close enough to cover.

My best bet: Georgia State +6.5 (-110 at BetRivers)
Picks made at time of writing may not reflect live odds.

Georgia State vs Coastal Carolina same-game parlay

Georgia State +6.5

Georgia State TT Over 27.5

+135 at BetRivers

Georgia State has scored 35 or more points in their three contests. Its multi-faceted offense knows how to score points and its defense is elite at forcing turnovers, typically giving the offense terrific field position.

Coastal Carolina allows 174 rushing yards per game, and I expect the Panthers to establish the run, make a big play or two through the air, and score at least four TDs Thursday night. 

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

Georgia State vs Coastal Carolina spread and Over/Under analysis

This matchup has been a strange one. Over their six meetings, the away team has won all six contests, and I don’t see that trend changing on Thursday.  

The 63-point total is an interesting number.  Over those six meetings, the Over is 3-0 and the outcome exceeded 63 points each time. Their previous two meetings have ended Over the total as well.

Coastal Carolina ranks 16th in turnover margin (1.33). The Panthers have lost one fumble, and Grainger hasn’t thrown an interception yet this season.

Carroll leads the nation with seven rushing TDs, while Georgia State’s Lewis has scored a TD in 11 of his last 12 games.

The Chanticleers have allowed 180 or more rushing yards in their previous two contests and 207 or more passing yards twice this season. 

The Over is 5-0 in the Panthers' last five vs. a team with a winning record and 5-0 in Georgia State’s last five road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

The Over is 4-1 over the Chanticleers' previous five home games, and the Over is 2-0 at home.

Georgia State is No. 13 in turnover margin (2.0) per contest. Coastal Carolina has already lost two fumbles, and McCall has chucked a pair of picks this season. 

Georgia State vs Coastal Carolina betting trend to know

The Panthers are 11-0 ATS in their last 11 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Find more college football betting trends for Georgia State vs Coastal Carolina.

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