Clay Helton’s welcome to the Sun Belt Conference did not go to plan on Saturday as the Eagles fell to Coastal Carolina, 34-30.

Chanticleer running back CJ Beasley hurdled an Eagle defender as he took in the eventual game-winning touchdown with under a minute remaining in the game. The score is just his second on the ground all season.

Kyle Vantrease threw for nearly 300 yards and two touchdowns, but was out-dueled by Grayson McCall’s 335 yards and three scores. The Eagles’ Jalen White led all rushers with 145 yards and a touchdown of his own.

The Eagles allowed nearly 10 yards per pass attempt by the Chanticleers, but did force a fumble. However, the defense was unable to get a stop on three drives in the fourth quarter and the Chanticleers found the endzone all three attempts.

Following the loss, the Eagles now sit at 3-2 (0-1 SBC). The team is tied with Marshall and Georgia State for last in the East division.

GS will be back in action on Saturday when they travel to take on rival Georgia State. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. and the game will be televised on ESPN3.