BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – The Gardner-Webb football team (2-2, 0-0 OVC/Big South) is set to open OVC-Big South Conference play this weekend as it welcomes the Buccaneers of Charleston Southern (1-4, 0-1 OVC/Big South) to Spangler Stadium for the North/South BBQ Bowl.
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SERIES HISTORY WITH CHARLESTON SOUTHERN
Saturday's contest marks the 25th meeting all-time between Charleston Southern and Gardner-Webb, with the Runnin' Bulldogs holding a 13-11 in the overall series. The game also marks the second edition of the North/South BBQ Bowl. Gardner-Webb took last year's meeting at the coast, 17-14, marking the third straight win a series that dates back to 1992 season.
SCOUTING CSU
The Buccaneers are currently 1-4, coming off their first win of the year, a 31-24 triumph over SC State last weekend. As a team, Charleston Southern averages 13.8 points, 120 rushing yards, and 143 passing yards per contest.
Three players have seen action at quarterback for CSU, with redshirt sophomore Zolten Osborne taking most of the snaps. Osborne has completed 63-of-115 passes (55%) for 655 yards and two touchdowns.
On the ground, redshirt sophomore Ke'Marion Baldwin and freshman Hakeem Watters have combined for 466 yards and five touchdowns, each averaging more than 60 yards per game on the ground. Redshirst freshman Brandon Musch has added one rushing touchdown.
Redshirt senior Chris Rhone leads the Buccaneers with 23 catches for 254 yards but has yet to find the endzone in 2025. Redshirt freshman Rashawn Cunningham is second on the team with nine receptions and 106 yards to go along with a score.
On the defensive side of the ball, Charleston Southern's opponents average 30 points, 187 rushing, and 231 passing yards per game. Junior linebacker Steve Zayachkowsky leads the team with 44 total tackles, 19 of the solo variety. Senior linebacker Justin Waters has added 31 tackles while senior defensive lineman Malik McKinzie is third on the team with 26 stops.McKinzie is also responsible for a team-leading 2.5 sacks.
Junior kicker Zach Gordon is 2-for-4 on field goal attempts with a long of 38 yards while making all nine of his extra point attempts.
Saturday's contest is set to start at 1:30 p.m. and will be streamed live on ESPN+ and can be found here. Live stats are also available at the following link.
