The final week of college football is here for the majority of the Big South. After this coming week, we will have a conference champion and know who will represent us in the FCS playoffs.

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

  1. (2) Charleston Southern 6-3, 3-1 *Nationally ranked #14
    This week: Charleston Southern 48 Liberty 26

    Thanks to great play by QB Shane Bucenell, Charleston Southern put the Flames out this weekend. He accounted for 170 passing yards and 3 touchdowns on top of the 65 yards and touchdown he had on the ground. The Bucs dominated on offense, defense and special teams. They even had a player represent them in all three categories in the Big South’s weekly player awards (QB Shane Bucenell, RB Darius Hammond, DL Anthony Ellis). With a win this coming week, the Bucs will be your Big South champions and punch their ticket to the FCS playoffs for a second year in a row.

    Next up: Saturday @ Kennesaw State, 11:45pm

  2. (1) Liberty 6-4, 4-1
    This week: Charleston Southern 48 Liberty 26

    The Flames were handled in all aspects of the game Saturday. After DB Chris Turner’s promising interception to start the game, it was all Charleston Southern. Most of QB Buckshot Calvert’s numbers came near the end of the 3rd quarter after the game was out of reach. He threw for 261 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception. Most notable thing about this game: Offensive line. They couldn’t manage CSU’s d-line. With this loss, Liberty’s FCS playoff hopes are likely put to sleep.

    Next up: Thursday @ Coastal Carolina, 7:00pm (On ESPN News)

  3. (3) Kennesaw State 8-2, 3-1
    This week: Presbyterian 10 Kennesaw State 45

    The Owls avenged their 2015 season loss to Presbyterian this weekend thanks to the one-two punch of QB Chandler Burks and RB Chaston Bennett. Burks completed 6 passes for 169 yards, 3 of those being touchdowns along with 119 rushing yards. Bennett averaged 19.5 yards a carry on 4 carries for 78 yards an a touchdown before leaving with an injury. The offense racked up 567 yards against Presbyterians struggling defense.

    Next up: Saturday vs. Charleston Southern, 11:45am

  4. (4) Gardner-Webb 4-6, 2-2
    This week: BYE

    Gardner-Webb had the week off.

    Next up: Saturday vs. Monmouth, 1:30pm

  5. (5) Presbyterian 2-8, 1-4
    This week: Presbyterian 10 Kennesaw State 45

    Offensive struggles continue for the Blue Hose as they managed just 187 total yards Saturday. QB Ben Cheek threw for 111 yards and rush for their lone touchdown of the day. Apart from that, there was little to note as successful in this game for them. It was all Kennesaw. This brings about back to back 8-loss seasons for Presbyterian.

    Next up: Saturday @ South Alabama, 7:00pm

  6. (6) Monmouth 4-6, 0-4
    This week: BYE

    Monmouth had the week off.

    Next up: Saturday @ Gardner-Webb, 1:30pm