Week 1 of the college football season is officially in the books.
Here are the updated power rankings following this week’s action:
1. Coastal Carolina 1-0, 0-0
The Chanticleers managed to escape Greenville, South Carolina with a win on Saturday despite Furman’s late 4th quarter push. QB Alex Ross had an impressive outing which was overlooked thanks to De’Angelo Henderson’s performance as he racked up 95 rushing yards and 129 receiving yards. They had 488 yards of total offense. Their defense managed to force two turnovers, but allowed Furman to accumulate over 500 yards of total offense, which was the most any Big South defense gave up this week.
Next up: Vs. South Carolina State, 6:00PM
2. Liberty 1-0, 0-0
After a slow start, the Flames eventually put together a good show and easily handled Delaware State. The greatest takeaway from the game: Des Rice is back. In his first appearance since 2013, Rice rushed for 139 yards and two touchdowns. But this victory is clouded by a pair of worrisome injuries. Starting TE Kendall Couamin left with an apparent left knee injury (He later returned with ice wrapped around his leg) and it was reported that WR Darrin Peterson was carted off the sidelines and out of the stadium. In the post-game press conference, Coach Turner Gill was asked about the injury and was unaware that anything had happened. Could be some big blows for the Flames.
Next up: @ West Virginia, 3:30pm
3. Charleston Southern 1-0, 0-0
CSU didn’t have many issues with North Greenville on Thursday night. The Crusaders had a chance to get within six going into halftime, but defensive standout Aaron Brown hindered that with a 53-yard fumble return for a touchdown. Most of their yardage game on the ground as starting QB Austin Brown completed eight passes for just 59 yards. Ben Robinson rushed for 127 yards and a pair of touchdowns while Darius Hammond added on another with 117 yards.
Next up: @ Troy, 7:00pm
4. Presbyterian 0-1, 0-0
The Blue Hose were little match for FBS opponent Miami (Ohio). Though expected to be stout, their defense couldn’t handle Miami’s QB Drew Kummer, who completed 14 of his 19 passes with two touchdowns. Presbyterian’s Tamyn Garrick got his start at QB, throwing for 163 yards and Darrell Bridges got the majority of the snaps at RB. The continued area of concern is their offense.
Next up: @ Charlotte, 12:00pm
5. Gardner-Webb 0-1, 0-0
After falling behind 0-13 in the 1st quarter, Gardner-Webb looked to their defense to help pull them out of the hole they had dug. With a safety and interception returned for a touchdown, the Bulldogs were able to go on top, but this would be short-lived. Following the defensive touchdown, GW couldn’t keep up with the Jaguar’s offense as they scored 20 straight points. Interesting to note that all four of South Alabama’s touchdowns were scored on plays of 49 yards or longer.
Next up: Vs. Elon, 6:00pm
6. Monmouth 0-1, 0-0
Holy Cross jumped out to a 21-3 lead against the Hawks on Saturday, but they managed to cut the deficit to five near the start of the 4th quarter. Redshirt freshman QB Cody Williams made his first start throwing for 258 yards with a touchdown and two picks. Add on 164 yards rushing yards and clock control and Monmouth had a good chance to win this one. Unfortunately, they were plagued by dropped passes and numerous missed opportunities that hindered them from getting the win.
Next up: @ Central Michigan, 3:00pm
7. Kennesaw State 1-0, 0-0
Well. What an opening statement the Owls made. Kennesaw State played their first ever game against a revived East Tennessee State football program Thursday night and won in dominating fashion. The spread was alive and well as they rushed for 416 yards and six touchdowns. While the win was impressive, KSU will continue to camp right here in the power rankings. They were up against a team that hadn’t seen the field in 12 years. Until they take on Dayton or enter into Big South play, it will be difficult to gage where they truly are. But if they continue to produce at the level they did this week, the Big South better take note.
Next up: Vs. Edward Waters, 4:00pm
BOOOOOOOOOO!