Big South Football Power Rankings – Preseason

Coach Jamey Chadwell returns for this 4th season leading the Buccaneers. Over the course of those four years, he as accumulated a 28-10 record and won a Big South Title. With Coastal Carolina being an FCS Independent this year, they are the clear favorites to win the Big South Conference and based on their performance against FCS juggernaut North Dakota State, it seems all but certain. Even though they didn’t get the win, CSU pushed the reigning FCS champs to the edge and forced overtime. If there were any doubts about the Bucs being the real deal, it seems they put those to rest early.

Next up: Saturday vs. Kentucky State, 11:45am

After a disappointing 2015 campaign, the Flames return with a chip on their shoulder. Coming off their most successful season in school history, high expectations were placed on the team, including another playoff run. But when Liberty let a number of games get away from them, it was clear they wouldn’t replicate 2014’s strong showing. The Flames suffered a number of key senior losses, leaving skill positions open. But there is up and coming talent looking to prove themselves in the 2016 season. But in order for them to mimic the success of 2014, they will have to get though CSU.

First up: Saturday @ Virginia Tech, 12:30pm

Since 2010, Gardner-Webb has had just one winning season and in the last two years, they have won just eight games. Of course, these results are less than what the Runnin’ Bulldogs would hope for, and it looks like they have a good chance to improve in the coming season. Gardner-Webb returns the majority of their offensive starters from last season, though they were a unit that only averaged 13 points a game. If they hope for a better season, this will likely be a focus for them.

First up: Saturday @ Elon, 3:30pm

Coach Brian Bohannon seems to be putting together quite the team down in Georgia. The Owls had a successful inaugural season, going 6-5 and picking up two conference wins. In their 2nd season, they have already been voted to finish 3rd in the conference, behind the likes of Liberty and Charleston Southern. Now with Kennesaw sporting the triple-option offense, the Big South is getting a heavy dose of the run game. With starting QB Trey White back at the helm and good chunk of their starters returning, it is very likely Kennesaw climbs the rankings quickly this season.

First up: Saturday vs. ETSU, 7:00pm

Monmouth enters into their 3rd season with the Big South. Their second year was an improvement from the first, picking up three conference wins compared to one in their 1st year. With QB Cody Williams coming off a good first season, he looks to be one of the better passing QBs in the Big South. He will be joined in the backfield by All-Big South RB Lavon Chaney DE Darnell Leslie returns to improve the Hawk’s defense. Pair him up with S Mike Basile and you have some solid pieces to keep teams out of the endzone.

First up: Saturday @ Lehigh, 12:30pm

Presbyterian has found itself at the bottom of this list a number of times and it is where they will start of the 2016 season. After going 2-9 in the 2015 year, the Blue Hose hope to improve in a number of areas, specifically their passing game. Ben Cheek will get the nod at starting QB and the most important piece of their offense returns in RB Darrell Bridges, who accounted for a majority of their yards last season. The strongest position group on the team looks to be their defensive line, comprised of veterans.

First up: Thursday @ Central Michigan, 7:00pm