Power 5 outsiders get big-game work

Different opponent for No. 18 Coastal Carolina. Even bigger stakes in this top 25 matchup between the Chanticleers and No. 13 BYU.

In another covid-induced schedule twist, Coastal Carolina ( 9- 0) and BYU (9-0) will square off after the Cougars stepped in to replace Liberty.

“We have a great mindset,” Coastal Carolina Coach Jamey Chadwell said. “We’ll play whoever, wherever.”

The Chanticleers’ had been preparing to play the Flames, Coastal’s one-time bitter FCS rival when both competed in the Big South Conference. But Liberty paused all its football activities and called off its game Thursday due to the coronavirus.

BYU was there waiting — and ready, willing and able to travel 2,208 miles to Conway, S.C., for the chance to play.

ESPN’s “College GameDay” is hosting its show from campus when there were clearly other options, like Baton Rouge, where LSU will host Alabama.

BYU is an FBS independent, scrounging to find any game it can in this covid-19 affected season. The Cougars have won at Houston and at Boise State last month, but are looking for a signature win. They’ve been having success with a high-flying offense, the country’s fourth-best scoring attack.

Coastal Carolina is also having a breakthrough season in the Sun Belt Conference. An FCS powerhouse just four years ago, the Chanticleers were picked last in the East Division yet have clinched a spot in the title game and will host No. 25 Louisiana-Lafayette on Dec. 19 for the league crown. Should the Chanticleers keep winning, they’d be in position for the Group of Five spot among the New Year’s Six bowl game should No. 7 Cincinnati falter.