2012 Flashback
The Buccaneers finished last season at 5-6 and 3-3 in the Big South, a huge improvement to the 0-12 debacle of 2011. Last year’s season is perfectly described as average as the Buccaneers would lose to the three conference co-champs, and win their match ups against all other Big South opponents. They gained quite a few Flames fans for the season finale last season, but lost to Coastal Carolina, stripping Liberty of the chance to play in the FCS playoffs.
The Liberty O-Line came up huge in last season’s matchup with the Bucs at Williams Stadium as the Flames gained 302 yards on the ground on their way to the 26-12 victory. Aldreakis Allen gained a monster 179 yards on 19 carries in the contest.
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| QB Malcolm Dixon |
Offense
Malcolm Dixon and Teddy Allen will be looking to dissect defenses with the Charleston Southern option attack as they head into their senior seasons. Dixon averaged 42 yards on the ground and 100 in the air last season while Allen averaged 58 rushing yards per game.
Following the retirement of Jay Mills, Jamey Chadwell was named head coach of the Bucs. Chadwell is an offensive minded coach and will look to make a splash on offense with the backfield duo heading into their senior seasons. Defenses have to be careful when keying on these impact players though, as the Buccaneers are not afraid spread the ball out and give it to numerous guys on offense.
Defense
Last season the CSU defense ranked second in the Big South for yards allowed and fourth in scoring defense. The defensive backs dictated the air and ranked first in Big South pass defense.
The Bucs have lost some impact players such as havoc wreaking Isaac Mckenzie, but have some exciting guys returning. Zac Johnston and Zack Johnson (good luck keeping those two straight) will be a fierce line-backing duo. Both are young players who seem to be all over the field, and will be looking to breakout after gaining experience in 2012. After recording 70 total tackles in 2012, defensive back, Elijah Lee will be the defensive leader in his senior season.
Schedule
8/31 @ The Citadel
9/7 vs Shorter
9/14 @ Campbell
9/21 @ Norfolk State
9/28 @ Appalachian State
10/5 vs North Greenville
10/12 @ VMI
10/26 vs Charlotte
11/2 @ Presbyterian
11/9 vs Coastal Carolina
11/16 @ Gardner-Webb
11/23 vs Liberty
Outlook
Between a fierce looking defense and a promising offense, Charleston Southern should be on everyone’s radar going into 2013. New head coach, Jamey Chadwell will definitely bring some extra electricity to the offense while the defense continues to look like quite a force. They may not have quite broken into the Big South’s top tier yet, but they are certainly headed in the right direction, and should not be taken lightly. My hope is that they spent most of their spring practice working on this “tasteful” rendition of the Harlem Shake.
Previous Big South Team Previews
Presbyterian
Gardner-Webb
VMI
