Charleston Southern defeats SEMO 23-17

**Charleston Southern Holds Off Southeast Missouri State in Key Big South-OVC Matchup**

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. – Charleston Southern secured a critical 23-17 victory over Southeast Missouri State this past Saturday, October 28th, at Buccaneer Field, moving the Buccaneers to a .500 record for the season and improving their standing in the competitive Big South-OVC Football Association.

The Buccaneers established an early and commanding lead, spearheaded by the dual-threat performance of quarterback Zolten Osborne. Osborne connected with TJ Stocker on a 17-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter, setting the tone for CSU’s offensive efforts. He then extended the lead himself in the second quarter, plunging in for a 1-yard rushing touchdown. Kicker Sam Babbush further bolstered Charleston Southern’s advantage with a 28-yard field goal before halftime, sending the Buccaneers into the locker room with a comfortable 17-0 lead.

Babbush continued his strong performance in the third quarter, splitting the uprights twice more from 35 and 41 yards, pushing Charleston Southern’s lead to 23-0 and proving crucial as Southeast Missouri State began its comeback attempt.

Southeast Missouri State, however, refused to yield, mounting a determined second-half rally. Redhawks quarterback Paxton DeLaurent found Dorian Anderson for a 17-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter, finally putting SEMO on the scoreboard. DC Pippin added a 42-yard field goal for the Redhawks later in the period, narrowing the deficit. In the fourth quarter, Patrick Heitert ran in a 1-yard touchdown, bringing SEMO within six points. Despite the strong push, the Redhawks’ efforts ultimately fell short against Charleston Southern’s early advantage and resilient defense in the waning moments.

With the victory, Charleston Southern now stands at 4-4 overall and 2-2 in the newly formed Big South-OVC Football Association. The win is significant as it keeps the Buccaneers in contention within the conference and offers a boost as they navigate the latter half of their schedule. Southeast Missouri State falls to 3-5 overall and also 2-2 in conference play, facing pressure to turn their season around.

Looking ahead, Charleston Southern will hit the road for their next contest, traveling to take on Bryant University. Meanwhile, Southeast Missouri State will return home to host Tennessee State, aiming to rebound from the close defeat.