abcnews
In the Sun Belt Conference opener for both squads on Saturday night in Conway, South Carolina, Georgia Southern emerged with a 31-24 win over Coastal Carolina, thanks to a pair of fourth-quarter touchdown passes from Max Johnson.
Johnson, who completed 18 of 29 passes for 233 yards, connected with River Helms on a 16-yard scoring strike with 14:14 left in the game to put the Eagles ahead 24-17. He then found Alex Taylor for a 14-yard touchdown at the 10:07 mark, extending the lead to 31-17.
Coastal Carolina (1-4) responded late when Deuce Bailey hit Karmello English for a 29-yard touchdown with 1:11 remaining, capping the scoring. Bailey finished 19-of-33 for 228 yards and two touchdown passes, while English hauled in five receptions for 81 yards.
Johnson also threw a 23-yard touchdown to Zay Hilliard in the first quarter. Georgia Southern (2-3) got a boost from Weston Bryan, who rushed for 88 yards, including a 67-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.
Key Analysis
Johnson's ability to deliver in crunch time proved decisive, as he accounted for all three of Georgia Southern's touchdown passes. The Eagles' ground game also contributed significantly, with Bryan's explosive run providing a momentum shift. Coastal Carolina's late score came too late to mount a comeback, as the Chanticleers dropped to 1-4 on the season.
Georgia Southern will travel to James Madison next Saturday, while Coastal Carolina visits Marshall.
Originally reported by abcnews.