Box Score CULLOWHEE, N.C. – Charleston Southern football made its first ever trip to Cullowhee, North Carolina Saturday afternoon, falling to 23^rd-ranked Western Carolina 77-21.

ON THE GROUND
Charleston Southern found pay dirt two times on the afternoon, both coming from TJ Ruff. Ruff's two scores stand as just the third a fourth time the Bucs have crossed the goal line offensively on the season. The second of Ruff's two scores came right up the middle from 47 yards out, standing as the second-longest rushing play of the season.

FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH
Charleston Southern took a youthful approach Saturday, starting five freshman on the offensive side of the ball. Among those freshmen was local product Zolten Osborne, who started under center for the Bucs. Osborne stands as the third different quarterback to start a game this season.
 
NUMBERS, NUMBERS AND MORE NUMBER 
Ruff had the main number in CSU backfield today, using 15 touches to collect 96 yards and two scores. Ruff also led the Bucs in receiving as well, adding three receptions for 27 yards.
 
On the defensive side of the ball, Charleston Southern was led by Trayson Fowler with nine total tackles, five of them being solo stops. Johnson had the big strip sack and Hill had the recovery to collect the score.
 
DEFENSIVE SCORES
The Bucs recorded their second defensive score of the season Saturday afternoon, as Jamel Johnson recorded a strip sack that resulted in Josh Hill scooping the ball up and making a house call. The other defensive score came at Clemson earlier in the year, as Leon Thomas made noise with a pick-six against the Tigers.
 
SPECIAL TEAMS SHINE
Charleston Southern has benefited greatly from superior special teams play, as Brian Cooey made the most of his action today. The transfer was called on eight different times and averaged 45 yards per kick while also recording three different kicks traveling 50+ yards and a long of 53 yards.

RECORDS
Charleston Southern: 1-3
#23 Western Carolina: 3-1

UP NEXT
The Buccaneers return home, Saturday, September 30, to take on a familiar foe in former Big South football member Kennesaw State. Kickoff is slated for 6:00 p.m. at Buccaneer Field.