Controversy Clouds Coastal’s 59-57 Victory Over UNT

Week 4 was set to be another thrilling chapter in college football, but it took a shocking turn when Champ Jackson suddenly went missing, leaving the week’s recap unfinished. Games were played, rivalries ignited, and unforgettable moments unfolded, yet the usual insight and analysis Champ would have delivered are absent, overshadowed by the search for answers surrounding his disappearance. While some games and stories from that week remain untold, given the circumstances, it’s clear that college football was left in suspense, both on and off the field. Now, as Champ returns, we’ll begin catching up on all the action that he missed, starting with the biggest stories that unfolded in his absence.

Week 4 brought all the drama, dominance, and unexpected turns that make college football so captivating. From UNLV’s historic 150-19 obliteration of FCS Southwest—a game so intense we’ve blacked out the recap for viewer safety—to Troy’s sluggish but successful 42-34 win over New Mexico State, it was a week defined by statement wins and narrow escapes. Wyoming shut down Air Force in a commanding second-half performance, proving they’re a force to be reckoned with, while Nevada continued its unbeaten run, dispatching Middle Tennessee and eyeing a big test against Kansas. These games weren’t just about wins and losses; they offered glimpses into each team’s grit, endurance, and, in some cases, unique pre-game meals. As we move into the heart of the season, one thing is certain: Week 4 has set the stage for even bigger showdowns ahead.

Coastal Carolina 59, UNT 57 3OT

In a thrilling triple-overtime showdown, Coastal Carolina outlasted UNT 59-57, advancing to a pristine 4-0 record while UNT dropped to 2-2. Coastal came into this game as a 3.5-point favorite, and despite both teams trading big plays and touchdowns, they narrowly missed covering the spread in a game that flew past the over/under line. This high-scoring affair kept fans and bettors on edge, but controversy stemming from a critical communication breakdown for UNT overshadowed the game’s result.

Coastal’s Ethan Vasko delivered a standout performance, throwing for 442 yards and 6 touchdowns on 32 of 48 attempts, with only one interception. Ja’Vin Simpkins and Christian Washington contributed to the ground game, racking up 153 combined yards and two scores. Vasko’s connection with Jalon Williams was electric, as Williams hauled in 15 catches for 214 yards and 3 touchdowns, while CJ Smith added two more scores with 77 yards on just three catches.

UNT’s offensive output was just as staggering. Paul Lowell threw for 454 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions, completing 19 of 25 attempts. Running back Zach Evans showed versatility, rushing for 65 yards and two touchdowns while adding 178 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns through the air. Nick Coffey also had a standout game with 194 yards and two touchdowns on eight receptions. UNT’s safeties combined for 28 tackles, indicating just how often Coastal broke through UNT’s initial defense.

However, the second overtime saw a major setback for UNT. After scoring, their communication system experienced a malfunction, limiting them to a mere fraction of their playbook. This technical glitch has led UNT to file a formal complaint with the NCAA, with Coach Jake urging further investigation into Coastal Carolina’s staff. “It’s disappointing to lose a game in this manner,” Coach Jake commented. “Looking back, I think we should’ve gone for two at the end of the fourth quarter. But it’s utterly shocking to see Coastal celebrate a win like this, knowing we weren’t playing on equal footing. This isn’t how a game should be won.”

Wide receiver Dalton Carnes, who dropped a crucial two-point attempt that would’ve tied the game in the third overtime, was visibly upset. “I should’ve caught that pass; it’s on me,” Carnes admitted. “I just hope Mean Green Nation can forgive me. I’ll be working hard to make it up to them.”

Coastal’s Coach Jacob, on the other hand, was thrilled with his team’s resilience. “This was our Super Bowl,” he said. “To win a game like this is incredible and exactly the kind of win we need to springboard us toward the Sun Belt championship. If we keep this up, we’ll be right there against Arkansas State—assuming they don’t blow it along the way.”

When asked if the game might put him in Heisman conversations, Vasko was humble but hopeful. “Being mentioned in that context is surreal. If we keep winning, maybe I’ll stay in the conversation, but my focus right now is just getting us more wins.”

UNT heads into Week 5 to open AAC play against UAB, looking to put this close loss behind them, while Coastal will face UConn to kick off their Sun Belt campaign.

Arkansas State 31, Tulane 24

In a thrilling game that came down to the wire, Arkansas State defeated Tulane 31-24, showcasing their resilience as they prepare to enter Sun Belt play. Arkansas State came in as a slight favorite with a spread of -3, and with a tight finish, they just covered the line. The game was evenly matched, with both teams exchanging blows until Arkansas State ultimately clinched the win, moving them forward at 3-1 while Tulane falls to 1-3.

Arkansas State’s Connor Wojciechowski, despite throwing 4 interceptions, managed to rack up 310 yards and 3 touchdowns on 23 of 33 attempts. Sateki Stumph was a powerhouse, rushing 17 times for 130 yards and a touchdown, while also catching for an additional 66 yards. Jayvion Showers and Tyler Little contributed with 73 and 71 receiving yards, respectively, with Little adding a touchdown to his stat line.

Tulane’s offense kept them in the game, with quarterback Leeroy Jenkins passing for 294 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions on 15 of 23 attempts. Dylan Braithwaite had a breakout game with 4 catches for 108 yards and a touchdown, while Khai Prean added 82 yards and another touchdown. Defensively, Makai Williams was a standout, leading the team with 13 tackles and an interception.

Reflecting on the game, Coach Bryan of Arkansas State gave Tulane credit for their competitiveness. “Tulane is much better than their record shows,” he commented. “This was a quality win, and it’s exactly the momentum we need as we get ready to start Sun Belt play. We’re excited to build off this and continue pushing forward.”

Wojciechowski, acknowledging his turnover issues, compared himself to a legendary gunslinger. “I’m a little like Brett Favre out there,” he admitted. “It’s high-risk, high-reward. I know I’m throwing too many picks, and I need to clean that up. But I’m always going to trust my arm to make plays.”

On the other side, Coach Fran of Tulane reminded his team that the season is still full of opportunities. “The rest of the season is in front of us,” he emphasized. “Winning the AAC is what truly matters, and we’re going to keep pushing to be in that race.”

Makai Williams, who has been putting up impressive numbers in recent weeks, attributed his success to staying focused and studying opponents. “I’m really dialed in,” Williams said. “I’ve been watching extra film, working with our coaches on reading offenses, and just putting myself in the right positions. It’s paying off.”

Arkansas State will open Sun Belt play on the road against Marshall in Week 5, while Tulane will look to bounce back against Southern Miss in their upcoming AAC matchup.

UNLV 150, FCS Southeast 19

Warning: This recap has been blacked out for viewer safety due to the extreme nature of the game content. Proceed with caution.

UNLV unleashed an overwhelming assault on FCS Southwest, scoring a staggering 150-19 victory that felt more like a massacre than a football game. With every play clicking and every move executed to near perfection, UNLV not only covered the massive spread but left it in the dust, putting on a show that bettors and fans alike won’t soon forget. Next up, the Rebels face Clemson in what promises to be their toughest challenge yet.

Quarterback Tavarus Cargile led the carnage, completing 39 of 47 passes for 585 yards and a jaw-dropping 13 touchdowns, with only 3 interceptions. Not content with just an air attack, Cargile added 143 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns on the ground. Top target Arlis Boardingham caught 8 passes for 127 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Brian Kiernan and Jai’Den Thomas joined the 100-yard club, with Thomas adding 2 touchdowns of his own.

UNLV’s defense was equally ruthless, forcing the Pandas into 8 interceptions. Donavyn Pellot and Tre Fulton each picked off 3 passes, with Fulton returning 2 of them for pick-sixes. Junior kicker Caden Chittenden was perfect on the night, connecting on all 20 of his extra-point attempts.

After the game, Coach Hayden Tindal praised his team’s effort with a lighthearted comment. “This was a perfect game,” he said. “Everything we did worked out there. Now, let’s just hope we saved enough points for Clemson!”

The Rebels head into their Week 5 clash with Clemson riding high on this historic win, but they know that next week’s game may be anything but a walk in the park.

Nevada 45, Middle Tennessee State 31

Nevada powered past Middle Tennessee in a decisive 45-31 victory, covering the spread as slight favorites and pushing their season record to an impressive 3-0. With a potent offense and a key defensive play, the Wolf Pack showed they’re here to compete and have bettors taking notice. Next up, Nevada faces a tough test as they head to Kansas in Week 5, eager to keep the momentum going.

Quarterback Marco Kight—again, our apologies for previously misspelling his name—threw for 216 yards, 3 touchdowns, and an interception, completing 22 of 34 passes. Ashton Hayes was a dual threat, racking up 146 rushing yards and a touchdown on 19 carries while adding 68 receiving yards and another score on 6 catches. Tyrone Howell was a consistent target with 11 receptions for 93 yards and 2 touchdowns. On defense, sophomore Javion Randall had a standout performance with 11 tackles and a critical interception, which he returned 8 yards for a touchdown.

Reflecting on the team’s early success, Coach Joey Rooker was thrilled. “We’re off to our best start since I took over, and it’s a testament to the hard work and belief in what we’re building here,” he said. “The chance to take on a Big 12 team next week is huge, and we’re excited to see what we can do in that environment.”

Javion Randall, reflecting on his big day, talked about his focus. “I was just in a zone out there,” he shared. “I felt like I could read everything coming my way. When I saw the chance for that interception, I knew I had to make it count. It’s moments like these that fuel us.”

Nevada’s confident start will be tested on the road against Kansas, where the Wolf Pack hopes to pull off a statement win in their toughest game yet.

Wyoming 56, Air Force 21

Wyoming took control in a dominant second half to surge past Air Force, winning 56-21 and covering the spread with ease. Coming into the game as a 10-point favorite, Wyoming rewarded its backers, especially with a second-half performance that left Air Force scrambling to keep up. Now 4-0, the Cowboys are riding high as they head to Pullman for a much-anticipated clash against Washington State.

Quarterback Micah Alejado was electric, throwing for 533 yards and 5 touchdowns on an impressive 24 of 32 passing. His favorite target, Tyler King, turned just 5 catches into a jaw-dropping 204 yards and 3 touchdowns, while Isaac Schoenfeld added 107 yards and a score on his 5 catches. Darius McIver was solid on the ground with 68 yards on 19 carries, helping Wyoming control the pace.

Coach Joey Clayton didn’t hold back his thoughts after the game, offering a brutal assessment. “Air Force? They’re a trash branch of the armed forces,” Clayton said with a smirk. “They had no business stepping on the field with Wyoming today. Frankly, this may have just been a bye week for the Cowboys.”

Alejado, whose confidence continues to grow each week, reflected on his progress. “I’m seeing the field better and better every game,” he said. “It feels like everything’s slowing down, and I’m excited to keep improving. Leading this team toward the Mountain West Championship is the goal, and we’re on the right path.”

Wyoming’s impressive performance has only heightened the excitement for their upcoming game against Washington State, where they’ll look to keep their momentum rolling in their toughest road test yet.

Troy 42, New Mexico State 34

Troy managed to pull out a 42-34 victory over New Mexico State, improving to 4-0 overall and 1-0 in C-USA play, despite what looked like a sluggish, mistake-ridden performance. Entering the game as 13-point favorites, Troy failed to cover the spread, and it was clear from the start that something was just… off. Rumors swirled that the Trojans enjoyed a heavy lunch before the game, reportedly featuring lasagna and an endless supply of breadsticks, which may have slowed their tempo and energy. Regardless of the reason, Troy looked bogged down and lethargic, barely surviving this test as they prepare to face Fresno State in Week 5.

Quarterback Dylan Lonergan had an up-and-down outing, throwing for 282 yards and 4 touchdowns but also tossing 4 interceptions, completing 28 of 49 passes. Nazir Tolson led the receiving corps with 9 catches for 117 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Matt Laulile added 93 yards and a score on 5 receptions. Though the offense had flashes of brilliance, it was plagued by turnovers and an unusual lack of energy.

Reflecting on the narrow escape, Coach Khail emphasized the value of surviving tough games. “It’s important to win your clunkers,” Coach Khail said. “Sometimes, you just have to survive and advance. Not every game is pretty, but getting the win is what matters.”

Lonergan, who shouldered much of the offense, admitted he may have overdone it at lunch. “I’m a sucker for lasagna, and after that fifth breadstick, I was really feeling it,” he said with a laugh. “Honestly, the New Mexico State guys were kind of blending into the field out there. I wasn’t totally sure where they were half the time.”

Though it wasn’t their finest performance, Troy’s ability to grind out the win keeps them on track in C-USA. They’ll have to shake off this lethargy quickly as they prepare for a tough matchup against Fresno State next week.

What’s the best lunch food before a big game?

• Lasagna – Hearty and filling, but will it slow you down?
• Pasta Salad – Light but packed with carbs for energy!
• Burrito – Portable, packed with protein, and maybe a bit ris
• Sub Sandwich – Classic choice, customizable and quick.