SEMO Beats Charleston Southern 43-17 to End Buccaneers' Home Schedule

Charleston Southern wrapped up its home schedule on Saturday by letting an early lead slip away in a 43-17 loss to Southeast Missouri State, according to Live 5 News.

The Buccaneers started fast by marching 75 yards in just two plays on the opening drive. Hakeem Watters broke free for a 55-yard touchdown run to stake the hosts to an early 7-0 lead.

SEMO quickly answered with a touchdown, a field goal, and a safety to surge ahead 12-7. Charleston Southern managed to claw back within two points when Matt Rolader converted a 43-yard field goal, making it 12-10.

That proved to be the high-water mark for the home side. The Redhawks found the end zone again right before halftime to push their advantage to 19-10 and then reeled off 24 unanswered points to put the game completely out of reach.

Charleston Southern briefly interrupted that run late in the third quarter when Caden Clay connected with TJ Smith on a 41-yard touchdown pass. Any lingering hopes of a comeback vanished in the fourth when SEMO intercepted Brody Woolbright for a pick-six, sealing the 43-17 final score.

Both Buccaneers quarterbacks suffered lower-body injuries that forced them from the field early. Jared Echols started under center and completed 10 of 24 passes for 128 yards, while Clay finished 3 of 6 for 60 yards and a score.

Watters paced the ground attack with 77 yards on 15 carries. Smith led all receivers with five catches for 90 yards and a touchdown, and KD Dorsey added four receptions for 66 yards.

Defensively, Steve Zayachkowsky racked up a team-high 10 tackles alongside a forced fumble. Tristan Lennon, Taivon Snipe, Champ Brantley, and Angel Miles each contributed six tackles.

Charleston Southern will wrap up its 2026 campaign on Saturday, November 21, traveling to face Eastern Illinois. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. EST in Charleston, Illinois, with a live broadcast available on ESPN+, as reported by Live 5 News.

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