And just like that, we have reached the end of the regular season for FCS football.
It’s hard to believe that we’ve already been though 12 weeks.

It’s been quite a season for the Big South as we’ve seen anything from the birth of a new football program to the growth of one into a championship contender. Things will change next year with the loss of Coastal Carolina to the Sunbelt. But with that being said, the Big South will continue to progress.

Here are the final power rankings for the conference this season:
Note last week’s rankings in (parentheses).

  1. (1) Charleston Southern 9-2, 6-0

Last week: CSU 6 Alabama 56

This week the Bucs went to Tuscaloosa to take on the #2 ranked FBS team, Alabama. Of course there isn’t much to report here. Jamey Chadwell understandably had his starters sit for the majority of them game as they prepare for the postseason. CSU did manage to get on the board in the 4th quarter thanks to a 3-yard run by QB Kyle Copeland.

Next up: FCS Playoffs

  1. (2) Coastal Carolina 9-2, 5-2

Last week: CCU 21 Liberty 24

Coastal is leaving the Big South in a manner they hadn’t expected. Even though Alex Ross threw for 325 yards and a touchdown, it wouldn’t be enough to overcome Liberty’s offense. De’Angelo Henderson was held in check for the majority of the evening. He rushed for 89 yards and two touchdowns, but 71 of those yards came on one run. So he had 18 yards for the rest of the evening.

Next up: FCS Playoffs

  1. (3) Liberty 6-5, 3-3

Last week: CCU 21 Liberty 24

While many are calling this an upset, I personally find it difficult to label Liberty’s win over Coastal just that. Thanks to a greater focus on the running game, the Flames controlled the clock and got the win. Josh Woodrum threw for 262 yards and 2 touchdowns. But it was John Lunsford’s lone field goal at the start of the 4th quarter that made all the difference. All things considered, this was the ending Liberty needed after a disappointing season.

Next up: End of season

  1. (4) Kennesaw State 6-5, 2-4

Last week: Kennesaw St. 6 Presbyterian 14

It’s hard for any football team to win if they are plagued by turnovers. That’s seemed to be at the core of the Owl’s problems on Saturday as they turned the ball over 4 times. Aside from that, Kennesaw out-rushed and out-threw Presbyterian. QB Trey White had 155 rushing yards and the Owls had 271 on the afternoon. Even with this loss, Kennesaw State couldn’t have asked for a better first season. This team will be a Big South contender in no time.

Next up: End of season

  1. (6) Monmouth 5-6, 3-3

Last week: Monmouth 23 Gardner-Webb 9

Thanks to Cody Williams, the Hawks soared over the Runnin’ Bulldogs on Saturday. He threw for 162 yards and 2 touchdowns. Zach Welch had 10 carries that went for 80 yards and had a touchdown as well.

Next up: End of season

  1. (5) Gardner-Webb 4-7, 2-4

Last week: Monmouth 23 Gardner-Webb 9

Trey Maxwell led in both passing and rushing for Gardner-Webb on Saturday. 87 yards through the air and 79 on the ground weren’t enough to help lift the Runnin Bulldogs over the Hawks. They had 159 rushing yards on the day. All 9 of their points came from field goals.

Next up: End of season

  1. (7) Presbyterian 2-9, 1-5

Last week: Kennesaw St. 6 Presbyterian 14

After a disappointing season, the Blue Hose closed things off with a win against Kennesaw State. Darrell Bridges rushed for 134 yards and become the first Presbyterian player to elipse over 1,000 yards rushing on the season. Presbyterian’s defense forced two interceptions and two fumbles to aid in the victory.

Next up: End of season