peteyThe Flames will be looking for payback from last season’s loss to the Buccaneers which ended an 8 game win streak in the series by Liberty. CSU is still just 3-19 against the Flames all-time.

Charleston Southern

2014 record: 8-4, 3-2 Big South.

Coach: Jamey Chadwell, in his 3rd season.

Starters returning: 9 on offense, 5 on defense.

Offensive system: Option.

Defensive system: 4-3.

Three significant stats last year:

  1. CSU rushed for 227 yards per game, tops in the conference and 16th best in all of FCS.
  2. Paced by their rushing offense, Charleston Southern controlled the clock better than any other FCS team. Their over 34 minutes of average time of possession ranked first in the country.
  3. The Bucs intercepted 15 passes, one of the better marks in the country. They also returned two interceptions for touchdowns.

Key starters returning:

  • QB Austin Brown threw for 1,848 yards and 11 touchdowns and rushed for another 254 yards and 5 touchdowns.
  • Mike Holloway returns from his sophomore campaign where he rushed for 50 yards per game, 2nd on the team.
  • LB Aaron Brown returns after being named 1st Team All-Big South in 2014. He led the Bucs with 81 tackles.

How does Charleston Southern match up

Jamey Chadwell has built a consistent Big South Championship contender in North Charleston after winning 18 games in his first 2 seasons. Chadwell also owns wins over both Liberty and Coastal Carolina in these two seasons. With 9 starters returning from a very productive offense, the Buccaneers look to compete for the 2015 Big South Championship also. CSU gets the added luxury of facing both Coastal and the Flames at home this year, and with added confidence they will be a tough out.

Due to poor scheduling (2 FBS teams, 1 D2, and 2 brand-new programs), Charleston Southern will almost definitely have to win the Big South’s auto-bid to taste the FCS playoffs.