Western Illinois Advances With A Win At The Beach

Western Illinois escapes Coastal Carolina's upset bid with a late victory in the first round of the NCAA playoffs

By Myron Hosea
College Sporting News South Columnist

CONWAY, S.C. — Senior quarterback Matt Barr’s five-yard touchdown run with 1:50 left put Western Illinois ahead, and Kieron James intercepted a pass at the goal line to secure the win, lifting the Leathernecks to a 17-10 victory over Coastal Carolina in a first-round FCS playoff game.

Playing just minutes from South Carolina’s Grand Strand beaches and golf courses, Western Illinois (8-4) saw the Chanticleers roar down the field, setting up a first-and-goal at the four. That’s when James stepped in front of Zach MacDowall’s pass and returned it 35 yards to seal the win.

The Leathernecks advance to the next round of the FCS playoffs, which means another trip south. This time they will visit the mountains instead of the beach as they take on top-seed Appalachian State (9-2) in Boone, NC, on December 4.

Barr scored on a one-yard run and Pat Smith booted a 38-yard field goal, both in the second quarter, to give the Leathernecks a 10-0 lead at halftime.

The Western Illinois defense kept turning back Coastal Carolina (6-6) all day. James’ interception was the fourth of the day for the Leathernecks, and most of the Chanticleers’ five turnovers occurred in scoring territory.

Coastal Carolina, playing its second-ever postseason game and representing the Big South as its first automatic qualifier, turned the tables on Western Illinois to get back in the game. Dominique Davenport picked off Barr and returned it 17 yards for a touchdown with 4:36 to go in the third quarter.

The Chanticleers tied it at 10-10 with 4:38 remaining in the game when Justin Durham kicked a 34-yard field goal.

Barr then led the Leathernecks on a nine-play drive that he capped with the five-yard scoring run.

Barr threw for 233 yards, 83 of which came on a pass to Terrium Crump to set up Western Illinois’ first score.

MacDowall threw for 292 yards and ran for 71 more, but he suffered those four interceptions.