Charleston Southern Buccaneers
Big South
The Bucs were 8-0 against FCS opponents this season, one of three playoff-eligible teams to be unbeaten against FCS teams. Their signature victory came against perennial Big South power Coastal Carolina when Charleston Southern scored 24 unanswered points to stun the Chanticleers, 33-25. This marks the Bucs’ first appearance in the FCS playoffs. CSU is only the second team to finish a Big South season unbeaten and it’s the first outright Big South title for the school.
2015 Record: 9-2, 6-0
Coach: Jamey Chadwell
Big Wins: 9/26 at Citadel (33-20), 10/31 Coastal Carolina (33-25)
Bad Losses: 9/12 at Troy (16-44), 11/21 at Alabama (6-56)
Strengths:
This is a veteran club with 18 seniors and three sixth-year seniors. The Bucs like to control the clock. For instance, even in its 44-16 loss to Troy, CSU had possession for more than 39 minutes. Against Liberty, it controlled the clock for 38:07 and the Bucs are in the top ten nationally in time of possession. Unlike many playoff teams, CSU’s strength is on the defensive side of the ball. It entered the season finale against Alabama as the No. 1 leader nationally in total defense. In addition, the Bucs are No. 4 in passing defense and a top 15 team in rushing defense. Senior quarterback Austin Brown leads the attack, but the Bucs’ key threat is running back Darius Hammond, who is in the top 25 nationally in rush yards per carry. In addition, Hammond is one of the top punt returners in the FCS nationally.
Weaknesses:
This isn’t a passing team. The Bucs were No. 94 nationally in passing offense so it’s unlikely they want to get into a shootout with anybody in the playoffs. In addition, CSU hasn’t been a fast-starting team. Entering the Alabama contest, CSU had outscored its opponents just 64-49 in the first quarter, however, it’s been much better in the second half. CSU is just 7-of-13 in field goal attempts this season, too.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Darius Hammond, RB, 731 yards
Passing: Austin Brown, 1,359 yards
Receiving: Nathan Perera, WR, 560 yards
Tackles: Aaron Brown, LB, 65
Sacks: Anthony Ellis, DL, 6.5
Interceptions: 7 tied with 1
2015 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 230.2 (13th in nation, 2nd in conference)
Passing Offense: 165.7 (94, 4)
Total Offense: 395.9 (53, 3)
Scoring Offense: 31.0 (34, 3)
Rushing Defense: 101.2 (9, 1)
Pass Defense: 151.7 (5, 1)
Total Defense: 252.9 (1, 1)
Scoring Defense: 16.2 (9, 1)
Turnover Margin: 0.30 (28, 2)
Sacks: 2.20 (46, 2)
Sacks Allowed: 1.30 (29, 3)
Recent Playoff Appearances:
No Playoff History
*all team stats through 11/14
