Bailey throws for 3 TDs, Lee-Knicely runs for 2, and Coastal Carolina topples Fordham 45-7

CONWAY, S.C. -- — Deuce Bailey threw for three touchdowns, Dominic Lee-Knicely had two rushing scores, and Coastal Carolina defeated FCS-opponent Fordham 45-7 on Saturday night, giving first-year coach Ryan Beard his first win with the Chanticleers. Bailey threw all three of his touchdown passes in the first half — one a 65-yard connection with Colton Hinton — and the Chanticleers (1-1) led 28-7 at halftime. Lee-Knicely had touchdown runs of 5 yards to open the scoring in the first quarter and 18 yards in the third. Nico Cavanillas Alti kicked a 56-yard field goal. Bailey completed 12 of 25 passes for 203 yards and Hinton caught three passes for 101 yards. Gunnar Smth's 6-yard touchdown pass to Nodin Tracy was the only score for the Rams (0-3). Coastal Carolina owns a 20-4 all-time record in home openers and has won seven consecutive home openers dating back to the 2020 season. Up next Fordham: at William & Mary next Saturday. Coastal Carolina: at Delaware next Saturday. —- Sign up for Top 25 poll alerts here, visit the Top 25 here and see AP’s full college football coverage here