CHARLESTON, S.C. – Charleston Southern's defense controlled play for much of Saturday afternoon's scrimmage at Buccaneer Field.

The Bucs held their second scrimmage of spring practice as they prepare to wrap up the spring schedule with the annual spring game this Thursday, April 10 at 7 p.m.

CSU's offense delivered a majority of the highlights in last Friday's scrimmage, but the defense dominated most of the rematch. Redshirt senior safety Demaris Freeman and redshirt junior defensive lineman Skyler Skersick recorded two of four early sacks for the Bucs, as defensive coordinator Chad Staggs' unit displayed the passionate style of play that helped lead CSU to a school-record 10-win season in 2013.

CSU head coach Jamey Chadwell was pleased with his defense's effort, and knows the offense can play better with Thursday's Blue-White Spring Game ahead.  

"I thought last week was more of a clean scrimmage," Chadwell said. "This week, the defense really set the tone by being aggressive and taking the fight to the offense. Offensively, we had some count issues and tons of off sides penalties. It was not a good day overall on the offensive side but defensively we did some really good things. They played with high excitement and great energy and really made some plays. I thought our offense played with a bit of complacency so it was good to see our defense respond the way they did off last week."

Led by Skersick and nose tackle Isaac Lowrance, CSU's front-three controlled the line of scrimmage against an offensive line that has been affected by some injuries and is still gelling. The Bucs' linebackers and defensive backs made plays running sideline to sideline as well.

Chadwell has been encouraged by the play of some of the Bucs' veteran linebackers, as CSU tries to replace the likes of Calvin Bryant and Adam Witzmann from last year's roster.

"I think Zac Johnston is having a really good spring and Aaron Brown has stepped up as well," Chadwell said. "They've both played some in the past and have both done a really good job of leading this spring and kind of taking ownership of that position group. In the secondary, we have some returners and people playing well there so I think we're getting to a good spot defensively."

Offensively, UAB transfer Austin Brown made several big plays in the passing game while again showing off the arm that made him a member of Conference USA's All-Freshman Team in 2012. Brown hooked up with tight end Briar Van Brunt in traffic for a 15-yard touchdown pass over the middle and also highlighted his day with a beautiful back shoulder throw to Donte Sumpter for a big gain down the sideline.

Returner Kyle Copeland, a rising sophomore, also continues to progress in the offense. Sophomore Dalton Saunders, a Summerville native, connected on a deep touchdown pass. The Bucs' running backs corps also continues to exhibit promise behind stalwart Christian Reyes, as both Michael Holloway and Chris Jenkins ran well.

"I think Austin's really coming along, especially because he didn't know the offense coming in," said Chadwell of Brown. "He threw the touchdown pass today and has done a lot of good things. I'm pleased with the steps he's made. Kyle has shown some maturity as far as knowing and understanding what we want to do as an offense."

"I feel like we've gotten better," Chadwell summed up. "The thing that's frustrating is because we've had some injuries and moving parts, it's not flowing as well as you'd like it to but I feel good about the direction we're heading."

CSU will hold its annual Blue-White Spring Game under the new lights at Buccaneer Field this Thursday, April 10. Play begins at 7 p.m.