MARTIN, Tenn. – Charleston Southern football found itself in a defensive battle Saturday afternoon on the road at No. 17 UT Martin before ultimately falling 17-0 after entering the final stanza down just 3-0.

STAYIN' IN IT
Charleston Southern found themselves down just 3-0 midway through the fourth quarter as the defensive play kept the Bucs within striking distance throughout the contest. Outside of the three scoring drives, Charleston Southern held UT Martin to just 104 total yards.

FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH
Charleston Southern saw a huge amount of production from its young core as true freshman Zolten Osborne continued to lead the offense while true freshman Omari Jenkins was the only Buccaneer to record double-digit tackles (14). Jenkins made his first start of his career this afternoon at the linebacker position.
 
NUMBERS, NUMBERS AND MORE NUMBER 
TJ Ruff had the main number in CSU backfield today, using 16 touches to collect 44 yards on the ground. Osborne went 12-29 through the air for 187 yards and a pick and Jaden Scott shined with five catches for 81 yards.
 
On the defensive side of the ball, Charleston Southern was led by Jenkins and his 14 total stops and a QB hurry while Trayson Fowler had nine total tackles, four of them being solo stops, and a breakup.
 
OUTGAINING THROUGH THE AIR
The Charleston Southern passing attack, led by Osborne, outgained UT Martin's 187-116, throwing it just one more time than the Skyhawks. The average completion from Osborne ended up at 15.6 yards per reception, compared to UT Martin's 9.7. 
 
INSIDE THE BOX
The Buccaneers continue to get production out of their transfer punter, Brian Cooey Jr., as he was called on seven times and turned in an average of 45.4 yards per kick, as well as three kicks of over 50 yards and four coming to rest inside the 20, including one that came to rest inside the one. The Bucs also recorded 4.3 yards per play, besting UT Martin's 4.1-yard average per play

RECORDS
Charleston Southern: 3-4, 1-1 Big South-OVC
#17 UT Martin: 6-1, 3-0 Big South-OVC

UP NEXT
The Buccaneers return home, Saturday, October 28, to take on a familiar foe Bryant as Big South-OVC play continues. Kickoff is slated for 4:00 p.m. at Buccaneer Field.