WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. – Charleston Southern pitched its first Big South Conference shutout since 2008 and running back Christian Reyes became the school's all-time leading rusher to power the Buccaneers past Monmouth, 27-0, on Saturday afternoon at Kessler Field. 

CSU held Monmouth to 112 yards of total offense and 1-of-13 on third-down conversion to improve to 6-3 on the year and 1-2 in Big South play. Monmouth falls to 5-3 overall and 0-2 Big South play. CSU head coach Jamey Chadwell liked the effort and execution of his team, which played one of its most complete games of the year despite the worst playing conditions of the season.

"It was great to come up here with a log trip and the weather and play the way we did today," Chadwell said following the win. "Our defense was outstanding and our offense did a great job of running the football, almost 340 yards rushing which is a big effort from our backs and the o-line. I thought our upperclassmen and our whole team handled this week really well coming off a few losses and it showed today."

Reyes carried 17 times for 70 yards to move his name to the top of CSU's all-time rushing list with 1,774 career yards in now 21 games. He passed D'Angelo Dereef (1,741) for the top spot. 

"We're really happy for Christian," Chadwell said of his team's senior running back. "To be the all-time leading rusher in a season-and-a-half is a pretty remarkable accomplishment, and he deserves the accolades for the work he puts in and the impact he's had on this program."

The Hawks didn't move into the CSU red zone until blocking a CSU punt in the final minutes of the game. The Bucs returned the favor by swatting away a Monmouth field goal attempt to preserve their first shutout since a 24-0 win against Coastal Carolina in 2008. It was the second Big South shutout in school history. 

The Bucs piled up 338 rushing yards and held the football for almost 39 minutes to control the game. Quarterback Austin Brown had two touchdown runs and Ben Robinson added a 1-yard score as the Bucs' ball-control offense persevered in cold, windy conditions.

"We got Ben and Mike going and when we can get all three (running backs) on track as factors, that's big for us," Chadwell added. "Just a great day all around and to go back at 6-3 with a complete win like that was big for us. To preserve the shutout with that blocked field goal and also make a coupe of field goals - we played well in all three phases and was a satisfying win."

CSU had a 24-6 edge in first downs and out-gained the Hawks, 411-112. Monmouth didn't go over the 100-yard mark for total offense until late in the fourth quarter. The Bucs also didn't commit a turnover in the wind and rain, while forcing two. 

Robinson finished with 1- carries for 91 yards and a touchdown, while Holloway added 91 yards on 13 carries. Brown added 54 yards on 14 carries and two touchdowns, part of CSU's 338 rushing yards. 

The game opened as a defense battle as both teams struggled with the conditions early. 

After the two teams traded punts for most of the opening quarter, CSU struck first on a 1-yard touchdown run by running back Ben Robinson. The sophomore opened the drive with a 34-yard gallop on the final play of the first quarter. Quarterback Austin Brown followed with an 18-yard completion to Chris Theodore to set the Bucs up on the Hawks' doorstep at the three.

CSU cornerback Malcolm Jackson set up the Bucs' next score minutes later. The junior stepped in front of a throw from Monmouth quarterback Brandon Hill and returned it 10 yards to the Hawks' 25. The interception was Jackson's second in the last three weeks. 

The Bucs would capitalize on the turnover, taking advantage of a pass interference penalty inside the Hawks' 10 with a 1-yard run from Brown, pushing the lead to 14-0 with just over nine minutes to play in the second quarter. 

CSU tried to add to its lead, twice moving into the red zone late in the first half. A Troy McGowens interception set up one trip, but the Bucs stalled offensively inside the Hawks' 5-yard line trying to add to the lead. Placekicker David Kennedy missed a 21-yard field goal just before the half.

CSU's defense dominated the opening half, holding Monmouth to 55 yards of offense and only 11 minutes in time of possession.

CSU added to its lead in the second half with a 12-yard Brown TD run to cap a 10-play, 74-yard drive late in the third quarter that put the game, essentially, out of reach. The Bucs would add a pair of David Kennedy field goals from 34 yards in the fourth quarter to cap the scoring. 

In all, the CSU defense forced eight three-and-outs and forced two turnovers.  

Linebacker Aaron Brown led the Buccaneer defensive effort with eight tackles. Defensive end Dylan Black added two tackles for loss and an early sack to set the tone. Jackson finished with three tackles and a pass break-up to go with his interception. 

Monmouth quarterback Brandon Hill was 14-of-28 for 97 yards with two interceptions. 

The Bucs return home next Saturday to host Gardner-Webb for Senior Day. Kickoff is at 11 a.m. The game is available on ESPN3. 

-CSU-