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 2-0
Last week: CCU 31, North Carolina A&T 30
Coastal survived a scare in Greensboro on Saturday night holding off the Aggies, 31-30. The Chanticleers’ Devin Brown returned a kickoff 99 yards, the longest scoring play in school history, with less than 7 minutes to play to give CCU the 31-30 lead they would not surrender. Coastal Carolina was able to overcome 5 turnovers, including 3 interceptions by Alex Ross, en route to their victory.
Next: vs South Carolina State, 6pm
2. (2) Liberty 1-1
Last week: Liberty 17, Norfolk State 0
The Flames used a suffocating defense led by their defensive line’s 6 sacks to defeat NSU, 17-0. The win was Liberty’s first over a nonconference in-state opponent since 2003. Josh Woodrum threw for 208 yards and had 2 touchdowns on the afternoon.
Next: vs Brevard, 7pm
3. (3) Charleston Southern 2-0
Last week: CSU 16, Newberry 10
The Buccaneers narrowly escape disaster on Saturday as they hold off Division II opponent Newberry. The score was 14-10 midway through the 4th quarter. The Charleston Southern offense struggled throughout the game, totaling just 261 yards of offense with only 85 coming on the ground. CSU will face their first Division I opponent, albeit non-scholarship Campbell, this weekend.
Next: vs Campbell, Thursday 7pm
4. (4) Monmouth 1-0
Last week: OPEN
Monmouth had the week off before hosting Wagner this coming weekend. Wagner is 1-1 on the season with a win over Georgetown and a loss to FIU. The Hawks and Seahawks are longtime rivals of the NEC; Monmouth defeated Wagner 23-6 last season.
Next: vs Wagner, 1pm
5. (5) Gardner-Webb 0-2
Last week: Wake Forest 23, GWU 7
The Runnin’ Bulldogs lost to the Demon Deacons in Wake Forest’s new head coach Dave Clawson’s first victory. GWU scored their only touchdown with just 16 seconds left in the game. Gardner-Webb was held to 131 total yards and were just 2/12 on 3rd downs.
Next: vs Lynchburg, 6pm
6. (6) Presbyterian 1-1
Last week: PC 69, Bluefield 14
The Blue Hose were able to get a victory as they blitzed Bluefield early and often. PC led 34-0 at halftime, and built a 54-0 lead late in the 3rd quarter. Presby had 678 yards of total offense, 523 of it coming on the ground. The Hose rushed the ball 62 times at 8.4 yards per carry.
Next: vs Furman, 7pm
