Virginia Cavaliers Dominate Coastal Carolina Chanticleers in 48-7 Season Opener (8-30-25)

By: Xavier Jones

Headline Photo Credit: Darrell Owens-LMS Network 

The Virginia Cavaliers kicked off their 2025 college football season with a resounding 48-7 victory over the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers on Saturday, August 30, at Scott Stadium. In a game that showcased Virginia’s offensive firepower, defensive tenacity, and special teams prowess, the Cavaliers built an insurmountable lead early and never looked back, improving to 1-0 on the young season while dropping Coastal Carolina to 0-1.

The Cavaliers’ performance was highlighted by quarterback Chandler Morris, who threw for 264 yards and two touchdowns before exiting in the third quarter with a shoulder injury. Transfer wide receiver Cam Ross stole the show with 124 receiving yards, a touchdown catch, and a 100-yard kickoff return for a score—the first such return touchdown for Virginia since 2019. On the ground, running backs J’Mari Taylor and Harrison Waylee combined for three rushing touchdowns, while the defense stifled Coastal Carolina’s offense, limiting them to just 261 total yards and forcing two turnovers.

First Quarter: Virginia Sets the Tone

The game started slowly for both teams, with neither offense finding much rhythm early on. Virginia broke through first on their second possession, marching 52 yards in four plays, capped by Taylor’s 1-yard touchdown plunge. Kicker Will Bettridge added the extra point, giving the Cavaliers a 7-0 lead with 9:23 remaining in the quarter. Coastal Carolina managed only 29 yards in the period, punting twice and turning the ball over on downs once, as Virginia’s defense—led by linebacker Landon Danley with seven tackles—kept the Chanticleers in check.

Second Quarter: Cavaliers Pull Away

Virginia exploded for 21 points in the second quarter, turning a close game into a rout. After a Coastal Carolina three-and-out, the Cavs took over at the Chanticleers’ 36-yard line following a blocked punt by Caleb Hardy. Seven plays later, Waylee punched it in from 1 yard out, making it 14-0. Morris then orchestrated a 90-yard drive, hitting Ross for a 29-yard touchdown pass to extend the lead to 21-0. With just 1:34 left before halftime, Virginia struck again. Starting from their own 20, Morris connected on key cases, including a 48-yard one-handed grab by Trell Harris, setting up a 2-yard touchdown toss to Jahmal Edrine with 18 seconds remaining. The Cavaliers entered the locker room up 28-0, with Morris already at 239 passing yards for the half. Coastal Carolina struggled offensively, gaining just 93 yards in the first half and failing to convert on third downs (0-for-7).

Third Quarter: Chanticleers Score, But Virginia Responds

The Cavaliers wasted no time extending their lead after half-time, driving 60 yards in eight plays for Taylor’s second touchdown of the day—a 2-yard run—pushing the score to 35-0. Coastal Carolina finally got on the board midway through the quarter, as running back Ja’Vin Simpkins capped a 79-yard, 14-play drive with an 8-yard touchdown run. Kicker Kian Afrookhteh’s extra point made it 35-7—the Chanticleers’ only score of the game. Any momentum for Coastal was short-lived. On the ensuing kickoff, Ross fielded the ball at his own goal line and raced 100 yards untouched for a touchdown, electrifying the crowd and restoring Virginia’s 35-point advantage at 42-7. Morris exited shortly after a 28-yard scramble where he took a hit to his non-throwing shoulder, diagnosed preliminarily as an AC joint issue. Redshirt freshman Daniel Kaelin stepped in, completing his first career pass.

Fourth Quarter: Cavaliers Coast to Victory

With the game well in hand, Virginia added two field goals from Bettridge—a 32-yarder after a 53-yard drive and a 41-yarder following a short possession—to finalize the score at 48-7. The Chanticleers outgunned Virginia 168-122 in the second half but couldn’t capitalize, turning the ball over twice via fumbles recovered by James Jackson and Kevon Gray, plus an interception by Ethan Minter.

Key Player Performances and Stats

Virginia Offense: Morris finished 19-of-27 for 264 yards, two TDs, and 50 rushing yards. Ross led receivers with seven catches for 124 yards and a TD, plus 224 all-purpose yards. Taylor rushed for two scores, Waylee one. The team totaled 467 yards, with 23 first downs and zero turnovers.

Virginia Defense: Held Coastal to 261 yards, 3.0 yards per rush (91 on 30 carries), and 1-of-14 on third downs. Danley led with seven tackles, Fisher Camac added five.

Coastal Carolina: QB MJ Morris passed for 163 yards. Simpkins scored the lone TD. The team committed two turnovers and went 1-for-14 on third downs.

Team Stats Overview:

Total Yards: Virginia 467, Coastal Carolina 261

Rushing Yards: Virginia 203, Coastal Carolina 91

Passing Yards: Virginia 264, Coastal Carolina 170

Time of Possession: Virginia 33:33, Coastal Carolina 26:27

Penalties: Both teams 7 for 50-60 yards

Looking Ahead

Virginia (1-0) heads to Raleigh next Saturday for a clash with NC State at noon on ESPN 2. Coastal Carolina (0-1) will look to rebound at home against Jacksonville State on September 6. With 54 newcomers on the roster, Elliott’s Cavaliers appear poised for a competitive season, provided Morris’ injury doesn’t sideline him long-term.