Conference play finally got started this weekend as Coastal Carolina and Charleston Southern remain undefeated. This week features perhaps the only game standing in Coastal’s way of the Big South’s auto-bid.

Note: last week’s ranking in parenthesis.

1. (1) Coastal Carolina 6-0, 1-0

Coastal continues to look impressive as they seek to separate themselves from the rest of the conference. The Chanticleers defeated Gardner-Webb in convincing fashion, 42-7. Will the top 10 ranked Chanticleers being able to stay unbeaten as they head to Lynchburg to face Liberty and the Flames’ 18 game home conference win streak.

Next: @ Liberty

2. (2) Charleston Southern 7-0, 1-0

Charleston Southern is 7-0, but each week seems to be closer than it should be for an undefeated top 25 team. This week they hold off VMI 25-17 in Lexington. The Buccaneers have won their 7 games by an average of 9 points per game with 2 wins over Division II teams. It may be a while before we find out how good CSU is as their next 3 games are @ Colorado, vs Charlotte, and @ Presbyterian.

Next: @ Colorado

3. (4) Liberty 3-3, 0-0

The Flames had the week off, and are now set for a huge showdown with top 10 Coastal Carolina. Can Liberty knock off a top ranked conference foe inside Williams Stadium for the 2nd consecutive season?

Next: vs Coastal Carolina

4. (3) Gardner-Webb 4-3, 0-1

Two weeks ago the Runnin’ Bulldogs were the toast of the conference, and now their wins over Richmond and Wofford look like flukes. Gardner-Webb fell to Coastal 42-7 this week. The Runnin’ Bulldogs have a much needed week off before playing host to Liberty.

Next: BYE

5. (5) Presbyterian 1-4, 0-0

Presbyterian had the week off and is now preparing to face the Keydets in the battle of the cellar dwellers.

Next: vs VMI

6. (6) VMI 1-5, 0-1

VMI proved tough for unbeaten Charleston Southern, but was unable to do much in the 2nd half as the Keydets lost 25-17. If VMI can’t go on the road and beat the Blue Hose, they may not win again this season.

Next: @ Presbyterian