The Myrtle Beach Bowl between the UTSA Roadrunners and Coastal Carolina Chanticleers is scheduled for an 11 a.m. ET kickoff on December 23, 2024. The bookmakers have UTSA as significant favorites with an 8.5 point spread. This matchup will be broadcast on ESPN from Brooks Stadium in Conway, South Carolina. The total points line for the game is set at 56.5. Let’s see if we can find some value in the College Football Vegas odds.
The UTSA Roadrunners have had mixed success against the spread this season, covering in six of their 12 games while failing to do so in the other half. When favored by eight points or more, UTSA holds a 2-2 record against the spread. Their games have often leaned toward higher scoring, with seven of their 12 contests surpassing the set point total. The Roadrunners’ matchups this season have averaged a combined 56.2 points, aligning closely with the 56-point over/under for this bowl game.
UTSA enters this game on a strong note, having covered the spread in their last three outings while achieving a 2-1 record straight-up during that stretch. Meanwhile, Coastal Carolina’s recent games have been high-scoring, with the combined final score exceeding the total once in their last three matchups. These contests averaged 56.7 points, slightly above the projected total for this bowl game.
The Roadrunners boast a potent offense, ranking 17th in the FBS with 447.4 yards per game, while Coastal Carolina’s defense has struggled, ranking 102nd and allowing 405.6 yards per contest. UTSA’s passing game is particularly strong, averaging 285.8 yards per game, which ranks 11th nationally, against a Coastal Carolina secondary that gives up 225.4 yards per game, placing them 81st in college football. Scoring-wise, UTSA averages 32.3 points per game, ranking 35th in the FBS, while they face a Coastal Carolina defense that allows 30.6 points per game, ranking 105th.
Coastal Carolina Chanticleers
The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers have covered the spread in five of their 12 games this season, while UTSA, as at least 8-point favorites, holds a 2-2 record against the spread. Scoring trends for both teams lean toward higher outputs, with seven of Coastal Carolina’s games hitting the over. For UTSA, the average combined score of their contests is 56.2 points, narrowly surpassing the 56-point total for this matchup.
In their last three games, the Roadrunners have excelled against the spread, going a perfect 3-0, while recording a 2-1 straight-up record. Conversely, only one of the past three Chanticleers games has exceeded the point total, with those contests averaging a combined 56.7 points—just above the over/under for this bowl.
The Chanticleers and Roadrunners exhibit contrasting strengths and weaknesses. UTSA allows 0.5 points per play, ranking 101st in college football, while Coastal Carolina’s offense generates the same figure, placing them 10th in the FBS. On third downs, Coastal Carolina converts 39% of attempts (81st), but UTSA excels defensively, limiting opponents to a 30.6% conversion rate, seventh nationally.
The passing game offers another key battleground. Coastal Carolina averages 7.4 yards per attempt, ranking 59th, while UTSA struggles to defend the pass, conceding 8.5 yards per attempt, which is 124th in college football. Offensively, the Chanticleers score 29.8 points per game, ranking 50th, while they face a UTSA defense that allows 31.3 points per game, placing 108th nationally.
Myrtle Beach Bowl 2024 Prediction And Betting Picks
I have the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers winning this one and covering the +8.5 spread.
Coastal Carolina ChanticleersCoastal Carolina Chanticleers vs. UTSA Roadrunners
Starting out in the betting industry, Henry later found his calling in sports writing. Specializing in soccer, golf, and darts, he also offers insights into a wide array of sports across the globe. After earning a BA Honors degree in Business and Management, Henry advanced through the ranks at William Hill in England. His career isn't just limited to sports; he's also made a mark in Property and Finance, fields in which he remains engaged. Henry now resides in Barcelona, where he enjoys playing golf year-round as part of the Real Federacion Espanola de Golf.