It’s the first full week of November, and 2 Big South teams already have 9 wins. Both Coastal Carolina and Charleston Southern are also ranked in the top 25, Coastal as high as #3 in one poll. This sets up a huge matchup on Saturday in Charleston between the two teams left undefeated in Big South play. Could this be the biggest game in conference history?

Note: last week’s ranking in parenthesis.

1. (1) Coastal Carolina 9-0, 3-0

The Chanticleers continued to roll as they beat Charlotte 50-25. Coastal has the highest scoring offense in all of the FCS and has scored 50 or more points in 3 consecutive games and 6 of their 9 games this season. Their lone challenger standing in the way of an outright Big South championship is Charleston Southern. The 2 rivals meet Saturday in Charleston.

Next: @ Charleston Southern.

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

Charleston Southern again gutted out a close victory, this time over Presbyterian 27-16. The Buccaneers have won 6 games by 11 points or less, but a win is a win and CSU is racking them up this year. Tough slate to finish this season with Gardner-Webb on the road sandwiched between Coastal and Liberty at home. And this Coastal matchup could be their only chance at making the playoffs, even with a gaudy record.

Next: vs Coastal Carolina

3. (3) Liberty 5-4, 2-1

Liberty had a closer than expected game with the VMI Keydets, but was able to get the win 17-7 to move over .500 for the first time since late September. The Flames’ defense continues to dominate as Liberty ranks #5 in all of FCS in scoring defense. VMI’s lone score came with just over a minute to play in the game.

Next: vs Presbyterian

4. (4) Gardner-Webb 5-4, 0-2

The Runnin’ Bulldogs finally got back on track after 3 consecutive losses, granted it was against Warner though. Gardner-Webb won 51-14, and could win their final 3 games of the season to finish a very solid 8-4 in Carroll McCray’s first season as head coach.

Next: @ VMI

5. (5) Presbyterian 3-5, 1-1

Presbyterian was within 1 score of Charleston Southern late into the 4th quarter, but were unable to put enough points on the board. The Blue Hose now make the trip north to Lynchburg where they have made a history of giving the Flames’ tough games.

Next: @ Liberty

6. (6) VMI 1-8, 0-4

VMI’s defense was good enough, but their offense couldn’t consistently move the ball to score points against Liberty. The Keydets wrap up their Big South Conference slate Saturday against Gardner-Webb. Their final 2 games our non-conference matchups before they move to the SoCon next season.

Next: vs Gardner-Webb