It isn’t often you get a second chance. But Coastal Carolina is afforded that opportunity. The Chanticleers will take on MAC champion Northern Illinois at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17, in the Tailgreeter Cure Bowl at Exploria Stadium in Orlando.
It will be the second consecutive Cure Bowl game for 10-2 Coastal Carolina, which lost 37-34 in overtime to Liberty in the 2020 Cure Bowl.
Things are going to be different this time around; they already have been, according to Coastal Carolina head coach Jamey Chadwell, who spoke to the media on Dec. 15.
“This is our second year in a row here, but this is the first time that we were able to experience the full bowl week,” Chadwell said. “I know our players have had a tremendous time from all the stories that I have heard. We are excited about being here. If the ball game is as good as the entertainment, then we are in for a great game.”
Chanticleers’ senior defensive tackle C.J. Brewer is enjoying his return trip.
“Last year with CoVID, it was pretty much like an away game,” Brewer said. “We came in the night before and played the next day. This year is a lot different. “We are really experiencing everything. We are blessed to be here and get the full bowl experience.”
Teammate Trey Carter, a senior offensive lineman, said that the team is making sure to enjoy the whole bowl experience this time around, but with an eye on taking care of business against Northern Illinois.
“We are very aware about the caliber of football team that we are playing on Friday,” Carter said. “They are very good – MAC champions. Their resume speaks for itself They are a very good football team. We are looking forward to playing them on Friday.”
Second chances are what the Tailgreeter Cure Bowl is all about.
“On behalf of our president Michael Benson, athletic director Matt Hogue and our whole program, this is a tremendous honor for us to represent the Sun Belt Conference and play in a prestigious bowl game that is raising money for breast cancer,” Chadwell said.
Coastal Carolina senior linebacker Teddy Gallagher couldn’t be prouder to contribute.
“Cancer has effected everyone,” Gallagher said. “My dad is a cancer survivor. Obviously, this means a lot to me. It is great to play for a cause. The Cure Bowl is amazing for what it does for cancer research and I am very proud to be able to play in it.”
