Here are the updated power rankings for the Big South.
Note last week’s ranking in (parenthesis).

  1. (1) Charleston Southern 1-1, 0-0 *Nationally ranked #7
    This week: Kentucky State 7 Charleston Southern 57

    There was no doubt CSU would have an easy Saturday taking on DII opponent Kentucky State. Offensively, the Bucs put together 527 total yards. 405 of those yards were rushing. Their defense recorded 6 sacks and 9 tackles-for-loss keeping the Thorobreds limited to 141 total yards. But even in this victory, injuries loom for the Bucs. Starting QB Kyle Copeland looks done for the season after suffering a knee injury. Other vital players saw injury as well, including backup QB Shane Bucenell and RB Darius Hammond, but they aren’t believed to be serious.

    Next up: Saturday @ Florida State, 12:30pm

  2. (2) Liberty 0-1, 0-0
    This week: Liberty 13 Virginia Tech 36

    After a hard fought 1st half, the Flames let a win against Virginia Tech slip away. Offensively, Liberty struggled, putting together just 160 total yards of offense and two field goals. That’s the lowest total yardage the Flames have put out in Coach Turner Gill’s tenure. Their lack of offensive production put much pressure on the defense. Even though they gave up over 500 total yards, the defense showed speed and strength. They forced 5 fumbles, gaining possession of 4 of them and running one in for a touchdown.

    Next up: Saturday vs. Jacksonville, 7:00pm

  3. (5) Monmouth 1-0, 0-0
    This week: Monmouth 23 Lehigh 21

    This was a good season-opener for the Hawks. Both the passing and rushing game came together for Monmouth as they accumulated 413 total yards: 198 passing and 215 rushing. RB Lavon Chaney had the most impressive night, rushing for 119 yards and two touchdowns. Chaney also lead the team in receiving with 74 yards.

    Next up: Saturday @ Delaware State, 5:00pm

  4. (3) Gardner-Webb 1-0, 0-0
    This week: Gardner-Webb 31 Elon 6

    The Runnin’ Bulldogs put on an impressive performance for their season opener. After a bland 1st half, GWU came out of halftime and ran to victory. 327 of their 436 total yards came on the ground thanks to QB Tyrell Maxwell and RB Khalil Lewis. Lewis also accounted for three of Gardner-Webb’s 4 total touchdowns. Their defense held the Phoenix to 2 field goals and 59 rushing yards. If the Runnin’ Bulldogs keep this up, it’s something worth watching.

    Next up: Saturday @ Western Carolina, 6:00pm

  5. (4) Kennesaw State 0-1, 0-0
    This week: ETSU 20 Kennesaw State 17

    Kennesaw’s low ranking in the preseason was justified by their performance on Saturday night. ETSU, picked to finish last in the SoCon, traveled to Georgia in what expected to be a simple win for the Owls, but turned into an overtime loss. The Bucs, like KSU, are a 2nd year program, but didn’t put things together as quickly as the Owls seen by 1st year performances. That doesn’t seem to be the case now. At this time, the Owls sit low in the rankings, but will likely climb, especially when Big South play opens. Kennesaw State should have little issue bouncing back against their DII opponent this coming week.

    Next up: Saturday vs. Point, 7:00pm

  6. (6) Presbyterian 0-1, 0-0
    This week: Presbyterian 3 Central Michigan 49

    Apart from Liberty, Presbyterian was the only Big South team that saw action against a FBS squad in week 1. Considering the talent difference, it is no surprise the Blue Hose struggled as they did. They were limited to 126 total yards and allowed 492 on the day. Considering it is an FCS-FBS game, there are few assessments needing to be made.

    Next up: Saturday vs. Chattanooga, 2:00pm

*Something to remember: During the beginning of the season, rankings don’t always do justice to the teams. Considering DII and FBS play, things are a little skewed. Once Big South play opens, it will be much easier to see how teams stack up against each other.