Here are our Big South Football Power Rankings as the season draws near its conclusion.
Note: Last week’s ranking in parenthesis.
1. (1) Coastal Carolina 11-0, 4-0
Last week: CCU 52, Monmouth 21
I’m not even sure why we keep updating this every week. We all know Coastal is #1, not just in the Big South, but in the country. Hey Kyle Kallander, go ahead and engrave “Coastal Carolina” in the championship trophy.
Next: vs Liberty, 1pm
2. (2) Liberty 7-4, 3-1
Last week: CSU 38, Liberty 36
Wait, why is Liberty still ahead of Charleston Southern when they just lost to the Bucs? I’m glad you asked. In short, the answer is Josh Woodrum. If he played against CSU, LU wins by multiple scores. Playing against a redshirt freshman quarterback who was getting his first significant playing time and threw 3 interceptions, the Flames lost because of a missed extra point. If Liberty makes that extra point the game at least goes to overtime. The Flames are simply better than CSU with a healthy Woodrum, or if Masha had a full week to prepare for the game. Plus, look at both team’s full profile. The Buccaneers have 2 wins against non DI teams and 1 against a nonscholly FCS team. Their best wins (other than LU) are against 4-7 Citadel and 4-6 Charlotte, and they have a loss to Presbyterian.
Next: @ Coastal, 1pm
3. (3) Charleston Southern 8-3, 3-2
Last week: CSU 38, Liberty 36
Jamey Chadwell has done a great job at CSU going 18-6 in his first two years with wins over Coastal Carolina and Liberty. After his team beat Liberty Saturday, he said he had a playoff team. Well, time to start scheduling like it. Playing Point, Newberry, and Campbell all in one season eliminates you from the at-large discussion before the season begins. Throw in 2 automatic losses by playing SEC teams (Vanderbilt and Georgia), and they have 2 more games that don’t help their argument. I have no idea what their schedule looks like next year other than a trip to Alabama, but if you want to act like a big boy, start scheduling like a big boy.
Next: @ Georgia, Noon
4. (4) Presbyterian 6-5, 3-2
Last week: PC 14, GWU 7
So, Presby’s season is over after beating the Runnin’ Bulldogs, 14-7. PC used an 80 yard blocked field goal return for touchdown to give them the 7-0 lead in the first half that they would not relinquish. The Blue Hose held Gardner-Webb to 37 rushing yards on 29 carries on the afternoon. A successful season for Presbyterian and head coach Harold Nichols who finished tied for 3rd place in the league. Plenty to build on going in to the offseason.
Next: OPEN
5. (5) Monmouth 5-5, 0-4
Last week: Coastal 52, Monmouth 21
That 5-1 start is such a distant memory for the Hawks as they have lost 4 straight Big South games. Can they beat Gardner-Webb at home to avoid a losing season and winless Big South season?
Next: vs Gardner-Webb, Noon
6. (6) Gardner-Webb 4-7, 0-4
Last week: PC 14, GWU 7
The Runnin’ Bulldogs haven’t done much running during conference play this year. Gardner-Webb was held under 100 rushing yards again. They trailed 14-0 before finally getting on the board with just 4 minutes left in the game. Battle for last place in the Big South in New Jersey Saturday.
Next: @ Monmouth, Noon
