It truly is hard to believe we have been through 10 weeks of football already.
Things continue to take shape as we race closer to the end of the season.
The Big South was officially locked-up thanks to Charleston Southern’s win this weekend.
There are still games to be played which can impact the FCS playoffs though.

Here are the updated power rankings for the conference:
Note last week’s ranking in (parentheses).

  1. (1) Charleston Southern 8-1, 5-0 *Nationally ranked #8

Last week: CSU 28 Kennesaw St. 14

With Charleston Southern’s victory over Kennesaw, the Buccaneers clinched the Big South title and punched their ticket to the FCS playoffs. Their offense managed 314 total yards with help from Austin Brown’s 133 passing yards and Darrius Hammond’s 66 rushing yards. But what was more impressive was CSU’s defensive scheme. Kennesaw was held to a season low 113 yards rushing and couldn’t quite manage to get the dangerous option attack going. Anthony Ellis forced a fumble and returned it 61-yards for a touchdown which helped seal the win.

Next up: Vs. Liberty, 2:00pm

  1. (2) Coastal Carolina 8-1, 4-1 *Nationally ranked #4

Last week: Gardner-Webb 0 CCU 46

Over the weekend, Coastal recorded their first ever shut-out against a Big South opponent (yeah, that surprised me too). De’Angelo Henderson looked like his normal self, rushing for 114 yards with a pair of touchdowns. Alex Ross completed 14 of his 16 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns. Clearly the Chanticleer’s defense did their job, keeping them out of the endzone for 60 minutes.

Next up: Vs. Kennesaw State, 2:00pm

  1. (3) Liberty 5-4, 3-2

Last week: Presbyterian 13 Liberty 21

Liberty’s match up with the worst team in the Big South was a little close for comfort. Todd Macon emerged as a trustworthy option for the Flames, rushing for 67 yards and 2 touchdowns. Liberty’s defense forced 4 turnovers, two of which came on back-to-back Presbyterian possessions near the end of the 4th quarter, sealing their win.

Next up: @ CSU, 2:00pm

  1. (4) Kennesaw State 6-2, 2-2

Last week: CSU 28 Kennesaw St. 14

Kennesaw’s first offensive play was a 79-yard touchdown to Chaston Bennett against Charleston Southern, but that would be the extent of their offensive action until the 4th quarter. For the second week in a row, the spread offense had more passing yards than rushing yards as CSU’s defense kept the ground attack in check. The Owls had a season low 113 rushing yards. Through Kennesaw has felt the reality of D1 schools, they show poise and potential. I expect them to get 1 or 2 more Big South wins.

Next up: @ Coastal, 2:00pm

  1. (5) Gardner-Webb 3-6, 2-3

Last week: Gardner-Webb 0 CCU 46

Not the best week for the Runnin’ Bulldogs. 8 punts. 1 missed field goal. 1 fumble. And 1 turnover on downs. Even though they were shutout, their offense managed to move the ball well. Gardner-Webb had 272 total yards on the day, but couldn’t finish their drives.

Next up: Vs. East Tennessee State, 1:30pm

  1. (6) Monmouth 3-6, 1-3

Last week: Bye

Monmouth had the week off.

Next up: Vs. Presbyterian, 12:00pm

  1. (7) Presbyterian 1-8, 0-4

Last week: Presbyterian 13 Liberty 21

The narrative continues for the Blue Hose as they keep games close, but don’t manage to get the win. Their rushing attack was strong, but the passing game was lacking. Ben Cheek completed only 3 of his 18 passes for 31 yards. Though they possessed the lead for a good portion of the game, two costly interceptions in the 4th quarter ended things for Presbyterian.

Next up: @ Monmouth, 12:00pm