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 1-0
Last week: CCU 31, Citadel 16
Coastal jumped out to a 14-0 lead early in the 1st quarter, and maintained control of the game throughout as they defeated the Citadel 31-16. The Chanticleers led the game 28-3 early in the 4th quarter before being outscored 13-3 in the final minutes of the game. Preseason Big South Player of the Year Alex Ross led the Chanticleers with 263 yards passing and 1 touchdown.
Next: @ North Carolina A&T, 6pm
2. (2) Liberty 0-1
Last week: North Carolina 56, Liberty 29
The Flames led the Tar Heels 22-21 in the 3rd quarter before turning the ball over on 3 consecutive possessions. Carolina capitalized and scored 4 touchdowns in 3 1/2 minutes of game action taking a commanding 49-22 lead into the 4th quarter. Coach Gill’s team has a nice test coming up this week when they head cross-state to face Norfolk State.
Next: @ Norfolk State, 4pm
3. (3) Charleston Southern 1-0
Last week: CSU 61, Point 9
The Buccaneers defeated something called Point 61-9 behind over 200 yards of offense and 4 touchdowns from quarterback Austin Brown. The game was the first night game played at CSU under their brand-new lights. Jamey Chadwell’s club faces another sub-Division I opponent to open the season in Newberry, next week.
Next: vs Newberry, 6pm
4. (5) Monmouth 1-0
Last week: Monmouth 52, Delaware State 21
The Monmouth Hawks had the most impressive performance of the opening week of the 6 Big South teams. Running back KB Asante scored four touchdowns as Monmouth racked up its most points in a season opener. Asante rushed for 155 yards on 22 carries and had two catches for 27 yards; Hill completed 23 of 36 passes for 218 yards and two touchdowns. Monmouth held Delaware State to 29 yards rushing in the game.
Next: OPEN
5. (4) Gardner-Webb 0-1
Last week: Furman 13, GWU 3
The Runnin’ Bulldogs were unable to duplicate last year’s feat when they opened the season with a win over Furman. Instead, this season, they fell to the Paladins 13-3. GWU had just 69 yards rushing and were held under 200 total yards for the game. Kenny Cook was held in check with just 2 receptions for 13 yards.
Next: @ Wake Forest, 6:30
6. (6) Presbyterian 0-1
Last week: Northern Illinois 55, PC 3
The Blue Hose did what the Blue Hose do, get annihilated by an FBS opponent. PC trailed 34-0 at half and 55-0 late in the 3rd quarter before finally getting on the board with a 26-yard field goal in the final seconds of the 3rd period. Presby has one of their rare opportunities for a victory this season when they host Bluefield on Saturday.
Next: vs Bluefield, 7pm
