For the third time this season, the Charleston Southern football team will face a nationally ranked FCS team when it hosts Southeast Missouri State in a Big South/OVC game on Saturday at 4 p.m.
CSU is 1-1 against ranked teams this season, owning a win over Furman and a loss to Richmond. That win over Furman remains CSU's lone victory of the season. The Bucs have lost four straight games and sit at 1-5 overall and 0-3 in conference play.
SEMO is the top team in the Big South/OVC at 3-0, having won six of seven overall. The Redhawks are ranked No. 8 in the FCS top 25, and CSU coach Gabe Giardina says SEMO is more than deserving of their ranking.
Charleston Southern Sports Charleston Southern's struggles continue in loss at Lindenwood By David Shelton Special to the Post and Courier
"This is the best football team, most complete football team, we have played so far," Giardina said. "I can say that objectively with respect to the other teams that we've played. SEMO is very good. Great quarterback, several receivers, and they like to throw the ball around. Then they are very good on defense. They are a really good team."
CSU's defense will be challenged by SEMO quarterback Peyton DeLaurent, the leading passer in the Big South/OVC. He has passed for more than 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns and is the school's career leader in completions, yards and touchdowns.
SEMO has four receivers with at least 25 receptions, led by Dorian Anderson's 43 catches for 620 yards.
Today's Top Headlines Aiken woman accused of holding man at gunpoint, ordering him to lie on firestarter-covered mattress Two subdivisions could be built one property apart north of Aiken. Here's what we know. Second arrest made in Aiken County dogfighting investigation Job fair for Masters postponed; applications for 2025 Masters Tournament roles still open Over 6K church volunteers serve Southeast including CSRA residents following Helene Thomas, South Aiken sweep titles at Region 4-AAAA girls' golf tournament Prime Living: He's got stripes - Sherman Hickson focuses on health, sportsmanship Aiken County Council gives final approval to ordinance involving the sale of the old hospital Horse Creek Academy volleyball wins big on senior night to stay undefeated this season State, federal officials coming to Aiken to offer disaster relief assistance Sports Charleston Southern football not dwelling on what might have been By David Shelton Special to The Post and Courier
As the underdog, the Buccaneers will have to find a way to do things above and beyond what they have done recently. Turnovers have been a major issue in the last three games, and while the offense has shown life in the running game, it is not scoring touchdowns. CSU is converting just 31 percent of its third downs this season.
"For us, we are very internally focused on getting better and not turning the ball over," Giardina said. "The last three games we have really suffered with turnovers, and some of those things are things we can control."
As tough as things have been on the scoreboard over the last month, Giardina continues to be impressed with the attitude and work ethic of his team. He feels the team is close to turning the corner. Whether it happens with a big upset on Saturday or in games down the stretch, the coach sees promise.
"They are human beings. They are frustrated, but they also are competitors," he said. "We're battling. I still believe in our guys. I believe we have good players all over the field. It's a confidence thing, and I have to keep putting our guys in position to make plays. We are going to keep showing up and competing. That I am confident of."
Charleston Southern Sports Charleston Southern can't cash in on Ison's record day By David Shelton Special to The Post and Courier