Here are our Big South Football Power Rankings which we will update each week during the season.
Note: Last week’s ranking in parenthesis.
1. (1) Coastal Carolina 5-0
Last week: CCU 31, Elon 3
The Chanticleers had little trouble with the CAA’s newest member, Elon, dispatching the Phoenix 31-3. Alex Ross threw for 338 yards and 2 touchdowns while also running for a score in the win. Ross led the Chants in rushing with 88 yards. Will Coastal run through the regular season unscathed?
Next: @ Furman, 7pm
2. (3) Charleston Southern 5-0
Last week: CSU 47, Charlotte 41 (OT)
Charleston Southern finally beat a worthy opponent in FBS transition team Charlotte. CSU led 21-7 at the end of the 1st quarter, and led most of the way until the 49ers tied it up at 41 with 2 minutes to play in the game. Christian Reyes’ 1 yard touchdown run in overtime would prove the difference. Reyes ran for 159 yards and 3 touchdowns on the afternoon while QB Austin Brown threw for 216 yards and 2 scores. The Buccaneers have a bye week before facing Vanderbilt. If CSU could ever beat an SEC team, this would be it.
Next: OPEN
3. (2) Liberty 3-2
Last week: Indiana State 38, Liberty 19
The Flames’ defense had no answer for Mike Perish and the Sycamores offense early on as ISU jumped out to a 24-13 halftime lead. Liberty’s 33 rushing yards and 1-for-11 3rd down conversion rate wouldn’t help matters. Next week should be fun as LU plays host to a familiar face in former coach Danny Rocco’s Richmond Spiders for homecoming.
Next: vs Richmond, 7pm
4. (5) Monmouth 3-1
Last week: Monmouth 28, Lehigh 21
Monmouth continues to look solid in their inaugural Big South season, this time defeating Lehigh, 28-21. Brandon Hill connected with Eric Sumlin for a 12 yard touchdown in the final minute to give the Hawks the victory. Monmouth’s leading rusher, KB Asante, is loss for the season as he fractured his leg in the game. Big blow for Monmouth.
Next: @ Robert Morris, 1pm
5. (4) Gardner-Webb 2-3
Last week: The Citadel 37, Gardner-Webb 14
The Citadel was able to pick up their first win of the season, and did so in convincing fashion winning 37-14 over Gardner-Webb. The Citadel led 13-0 before GWU came storming back to take a 14-13 lead at the beginning of the 2nd half. That would be all for the Runnin’ Bulldogs though, as the Citadel closed the game with 24 straight points.
Next: vs Charlotte, 1:30
6. (6) Presbyterian 2-2
Last week: OPEN
The Blue Hose were off this week, and will play host to Western Carolina next week.
Next: vs Western Carolina, 3pm
