Teams like Charleston Southern are already facing an uphill battle when engaging in "buy" games against top-flight FBS opponents. In fact, the Buccaneers enter Saturday's game against Florida State as more than five-touchdown underdogs and, unfortunately for the visitors, Charleston Southern could be without thirty players due to an NCAA-related suspension.
Running back Ben Robinson brings word via his Facebook page:
In addition to Robinson's account, offensive lineman Frank Cirone has also reported that the entire (!) starting offensive line has been suspended for Saturday's contest and, because of FCS rules, the 30-player suspension would effectively keep half of CSU's 63-man roster off the field.
This is a situation that could potentially turn dangerous, as Florida State already displays a massive physical advantage that would be doubly magnified if Charleston Southern is this short-handed on the field. To that end, many in the media are already calling for CSU to forfeit the game and, in addition, some are asking why the Buccaneers would be forced to enforce this type of wide-ranging suspension in a single game against an elite opponent.
Clarification will almost certainly come before kick-off on Saturday, but for now, it looks like an already undermanned FCS team will be playing without almost half of its roster.
