Charleston SC, October 26, 2025
News Summary
In a thrilling showdown, the Charleston Southern Buccaneers pulled off a last-minute victory against Eastern Illinois, scoring 14 points in the final six minutes to win 17-16. Quarterback Zolten Osborne’s impressive performance, including 280 passing yards and a crucial touchdown pass, alongside a decisive field-goal block by David Portu, led to this dramatic turnaround. The Buccaneers improved their record to 3-6, while Eastern Illinois fell to 3-5.
CHARLESTON – The Charleston Southern Buccaneers clinched a thrilling victory on Saturday, defeating Eastern Illinois 17-16. The game culminated in a dramatic finish, with the Buccaneers rallying to score the last 14 points in the final six minutes to secure the win.
Quarterback Zolten Osborne proved pivotal for Charleston Southern, throwing for a total of 280 yards and completing 26 out of 38 pass attempts without an interception. Midway through the fourth quarter, he connected with Rashawn Cunningham for a 5-yard touchdown pass, narrowing the score to 16-10. Following a three-and-out by Eastern Illinois, the Buccaneers took the lead when Hakeem Watters scored on a 1-yard run after a crucial 6-play drive that included a 43-yard pass from Osborne to Watters.
With just 10 seconds remaining in the game, Charleston Southern’s David Portu made a significant play by blocking a field-goal attempt from Eastern Illinois, securing the Buccaneers’ win. Despite trailing for most of the game, Charleston Southern’s defense allowed only one touchdown and limited Eastern Illinois to three field goals, which were scored by kicker Drew Schiller.
Game Overview
In the first half, Eastern Illinois opened the scoring with a 6-0 lead after converting two field goals. They maintained control in the third quarter, extending their lead to 16-3 with a touchdown pass from Cole LaCrue to Joe McNab, along with an additional field goal early in the fourth. LaCrue finished with 123 yards passing, but it was not enough to withstand the Buccaneers’ late-game surge.
Overall, Charleston Southern garnered 61 rushing yards throughout the game, with standout performances from Mekhi Campfield and Rashawn Cunningham, who combined for 11 receptions totaling 157 yards. The victory improved the Buccaneers’ record to 3-6 overall and 2-3 in OVC-Big South play, with their next matchup against Southeast Missouri scheduled for November 1. Eastern Illinois now holds a record of 3-5 overall and 2-3 in OVC-Big South play.
Team Statistics
- Charleston Southern: 280 passing yards, 61 rushing yards
- Eastern Illinois: 123 passing yards
- Final Score: Charleston Southern 17, Eastern Illinois 16
- Score Progression: Eastern Illinois led 16-3 before Charleston Southern’s comeback
Coach’s Insights
The head coach of Charleston Southern, Gabe Giardina, highlighted his team’s effort and resilience, stressing the significance of playing the full 60 minutes to achieve success.
Upcoming Matches
Charleston Southern will look to build on this momentum as they prepare to face Southeast Missouri next week, aiming to improve their standing in the league.
FAQ Section
What was the final score of the game between Charleston Southern and Eastern Illinois?
The final score was Charleston Southern 17, Eastern Illinois 16.
Who was the quarterback for Charleston Southern and what were his statistics?
Zolten Osborne was the quarterback, throwing for 280 yards and completing 26 out of 38 passes without throwing an interception.
How did Charleston Southern secure their victory in the final moments of the game?
Charleston Southern scored the last 14 points in the final six minutes, culminating with David Portu blocking a field-goal attempt from Eastern Illinois with just 10 seconds remaining.
What was Eastern Illinois’s record after this game?
Eastern Illinois’s record stands at 3-5 overall and 2-3 in OVC-Big South play.
When will Charleston Southern next play?
Charleston Southern will face Southeast Missouri on November 1.
Key Game Features
| Feature | Charleston Southern | Eastern Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 17 | 16 |
| Passing Yards | 280 | 123 |
| Rushing Yards | 61 | N/A |
| Touchdowns | 2 | 1 |
| Field Goals | N/A | 3 |
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Charleston Southern Football Rallies Past Eastern Illinois
- Wikipedia: Charleston Southern Buccaneers Football
- Live 5 News: Charleston Southern Scores 14 Points in Fourth
- Google Search: Charleston Southern Football
- GoCCUSports: Chants Shutout Buccaneers for First Win
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football
- CSUSports: Women’s Volleyball Completes Season Sweep Over UNC Asheville
- Google News: Charleston Southern Buccaneers
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