By: Jack Greven
Tribe Football returns to Zable Stadium this Saturday for its final nonconference matchup (until the season finale against Richmond) as William & Mary hosts Charleston Southern.
Both teams are coming off losses. The Tribe fell 55–16 at Virginia, while the Buccaneers let one of their better chances at a win slip away in a 35–28 home loss to Lindenwood. The two programs last met in 2023 in Charleston, where William & Mary won a defensive slugfest 15–7, holding CSU to just 77 total yards of offense.
Charleston Southern at a Glance
- Conference: OVC–Big South
- 2024 Record: 1–11
Charleston Southern has struggled to find consistent success since joining the NCAA in 1991. Between 2005 and 2017, the Buccaneers posted nine winning seasons and captured three Big South titles, but none since. Under third-year head coach Gabe Giardina, CSU has won just 13 of its 50 games this decade.
Last season was particularly rough, ending at 1–11 with the lone win coming against Furman in Week 2. Offense was a major issue, as CSU scored 14 points or fewer in eight of 12 games and never topped 24 points. This year has started in a similar fashion. After scoring just three points combined in their first two games—both against FBS opponents—the Bucs finally broke through for 28 in last week’s loss to Lindenwood.
The Buccaneers enter this matchup at 0–3 with a 13-game losing streak dating back to last September. They rank near the bottom nationally in several categories, including penalty yards (78 per game, worst in the conference and 14th worst in the FCS), total offense (15th worst), scoring offense (7th worst), and first downs per game (tied for 5th worst). Defensively, the numbers are slightly better—CSU did hold Coastal Carolina to 13 points and intercepted three passes—but they still rank tied for 10th worst in third-down defense (52.8%) and tied for 22nd worst in red-zone defense (92.9%). One bright spot: turnovers. The Bucs have recorded three interceptions and forced five fumbles this season.
Buccaneer Offense
CSU is led by redshirt sophomore QB Zolten Osborne, who has battled season-ending injuries each of the past two years. In nine career starts, Osborne has completed 52.6% of his passes with five touchdowns and nine interceptions.
The backfield has already been hit by injuries, losing preseason All-Conference pick Tyson Greenwade and redshirt freshman Brandon Musch. In their absence, JMU transfer Ke’Marion Baldwin has become the lead back, rushing for 150 yards and a touchdown so far.
The receiving corps is anchored by redshirt senior Chris Rhone, who posted 586 yards and four touchdowns last season and leads the team again with 14 receptions for 116 yards. Redshirt senior Jamil Bishop and freshman Rashawn Cunningham are other names to watch.
Up front, the offensive line has been a relative strength, allowing just five sacks while opening lanes in the run game. The unit is led by preseason All-Conference selection Andrew Threatt, a junior.
For William & Mary, the defensive keys are containing the run after surrendering more than 400 rushing yards to Virginia and capitalizing on Osborne’s inaccuracy. The Tribe has forced a turnover in an FCS-best 13 straight games and has a good chance to extend that streak.
Buccaneer Defense
Defensively, Charleston Southern has been inconsistent—limiting Coastal Carolina to 13 points but giving up 35 to Lindenwood.
- LB Steve Zayachkowsky (Jr.) – Preseason All-Conference, team tackle leader in 2024, with 10 tackles and an interception this year.
- DL David Portu (R-Jr.) – Preseason All-Conference, 10 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble.
- LB Justin Waters (Sr.) – The early standout with 15 tackles, 1 sack, 1 pass breakup, and 2 forced fumbles.
- DL Malik McKinzie (Sr.) – Leads the team in both tackles and sacks.
- DL Mylan Bowen (So.) – Emerging as a playmaker with a team-high 3.5 tackles for loss.
Special Teams
Special teams are often overlooked, but senior punter Gilbert Brown deserves mention. An All-American in 2024, Brown is averaging 39.9 yards per punt this season and has been a weapon in flipping field position when CSU’s offense stalls.
Keys for the Tribe
William & Mary’s offense needs to reestablish its ground game, which currently ranks in the bottom third of the FCS in yards per carry. Building an early lead would allow the Tribe to lean on their rushing attack in the second half. Improving on third downs (currently 27.8% conversion rate) will also be critical, and CSU’s porous third-down defense provides an ideal opportunity.
This matchup should give the Tribe a chance to reset and build momentum heading into CAA play.
Pack Zable this Saturday—and Go Tribe!
Photos Courtesy of Tribe Athletics
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