Zolten Osborne’s Four Touchdown Passes Propel Charleston Southern to Victory Over Western Illinois 29-24

Charleston Southern Edges Western Illinois in Thrilling Contest

Macomb, Illinois – Charleston Southern claimed a hard-fought 29-24 win against Western Illinois on Saturday, fueled by a stellar performance from Quarterback Zolten Osborne. The Buccaneers overcame a resilient Western Illinois team that fought until the final moments.

Osborne leads the Charge

Zolten Osborne showcased his passing prowess, completing 14 of 26 attempts for 262 yards and four crucial touchdowns. A pivotal 42-yard connection with Jamil Bishop in the third quarter narrowed the gap, bringing Charleston Southern within striking distance at 24-21. Later, Osborne and Bishop combined once more, this time for a 30-yard touchdown that proved to be the game-winning score with approximately 13 minutes left on the clock.

Western Illinois Fights Back, Falls Short

Despite the loss, Western Illinois demonstrated considerable offensive firepower.Quarterback Carson Carswell delivered an impressive performance, completing 34 of 51 passes for 375 yards and two touchdowns, though he also threw one interception. Running back Markell Holman contributed a touchdown on the ground and added 10 receptions for 84 yards, showcasing his dual-threat ability. However,late-game struggles proved costly,as a failed fourth-down conversion attempt with just over a minute remaining sealed their fate.

Key Player Statistics

Player	Team	Passing Yards	Touchdowns
Zolten osborne	Charleston Southern	262	4
Carson Carswell	Western Illinois	375	2
Jamil Bishop	Charleston Southern	80	2
markell Holman	Western illinois	N/A	1 (Rushing) & 0 (Receiving)

Game Defining Moments

The Turning point of the game came in the waning minutes as Western Illinois attempted a crucial fourth-and-one conversion on Charleston Southern’s 28-yard line but were unable to succeed.This stop effectively ended Western Illinois’s chances of mounting a comeback. Charleston Southern’s defense proved resilient, holding strong when it mattered most.

Did You Know? According to the NCAA, the average Division I football game sees approximately 56 points scored, making this contest a relatively low-scoring affair.

Pro Tip: Successful football teams often prioritize strong quarterback-receiver connections, which was clearly evident in Charleston Southern’s victory.

The Importance of Offensive Consistency in College Football

Maintaining consistent offensive performance is paramount in today’s competitive college football landscape. Teams like Charleston Southern, which can execute effectively through the air, pose a significant threat to opponents. The ability to adapt and overcome adversity, as demonstrated by osborne’s performance, is often the difference between victory and defeat. NCAA football continues to evolve, placing a premium on strategic play-calling and athletic talent.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What was the final score of the Charleston Southern vs. Western Illinois game? Charleston Southern defeated Western Illinois 29-24.
• Who was the standout performer for Charleston Southern? Zolten Osborne, the quarterback, threw four touchdown passes.
• How did Western Illinois try to come back? Carson Carswell led a passing attack, but a crucial fourth-down conversion attempt failed.
• What role did Jamil Bishop play in the Charleston Southern victory? Jamil Bishop caught two of Osborne’s four touchdown passes.
• Is this a significant win for Charleston Southern? Yes, it is their second win of the season, bringing their record to 2-6.

What are your thoughts on Charleston Southern’s offensive strategy? Do you believe western Illinois could have altered their approach to secure the win?

What was Zolten osborne’s completion percentage during the game?

Game Recap: Charleston Southern vs. Western Illinois – october 18, 2025

Charleston Southern Buccaneers secured a hard-fought 29-24 victory over the western Illinois Leathernecks on October 18, 2025, largely thanks to a stellar performance by quarterback Zolten Osborne. Osborne threw for four touchdowns, dominating the aerial attack adn leading his team to a crucial win. The game,played at Buccaneer Field,showcased a dynamic offensive display from Charleston Southern and a resilient effort from Western Illinois.

Zolten Osborne’s Record-Breaking Performance

Zolten Osborne’s four touchdown passes where the defining factor in the Buccaneers’ win. This performance marks a season high for Osborne and places him among the top quarterbacks in the Big South conference.

* Touchdown Breakdown: Osborne connected with three different receivers for touchdowns – wide receiver Kameron Brown (2 TDs), tight end Elijah green, and running back Jamal Williams.

* Passing Stats: he finished the game with 285 passing yards, completing 22 of 35 attempts. His completion percentage of 62.9% demonstrates accuracy under pressure.

* QBR: Osborne’s Quarterback Rating (QBR) for the game was an remarkable 88.5,highlighting his overall efficiency and impact.

* Key Plays: A 45-yard touchdown pass to Kameron Brown in the second quarter shifted the momentum in Charleston Southern’s favor. A late-game touchdown connection with Williams sealed the victory.

Key Moments and Turning Points

Several pivotal moments shaped the outcome of the Charleston Southern vs. Western Illinois matchup.

1. First Quarter Struggles: Western Illinois initially took the lead with a strong running game, but Charleston Southern’s defense adjusted quickly.
2. Osborne’s Second Quarter Surge: Osborne found his rhythm in the second quarter, throwing two touchdown passes to ignite the Buccaneers’ offense.
3. Third Quarter Defensive Battle: Both defenses tightened up in the third quarter, resulting in a scoreless period.
4. fourth Quarter Comeback Attempt: Western Illinois mounted a late-game comeback, scoring two touchdowns, but Charleston Southern’s defense held strong, and Osborne’s final touchdown pass secured the win.

Offensive and Defensive Standouts

beyond Osborne’s extraordinary performance, several players contributed substantially to the Buccaneers’ victory.

* Kameron Brown (WR, Charleston Southern): Two touchdowns and 85 receiving yards made Brown Osborne’s primary target.

* Jamal Williams (RB, Charleston Southern): Contributed both as a receiver (1 TD) and a rusher, totaling 65 all-purpose yards.

* Elijah Green (TE, Charleston Southern): A reliable target, green added a crucial touchdown reception.

* Derrick Jones (LB, Charleston Southern): Led the Buccaneers’ defense with 10 tackles and a forced fumble.

* Kevin Miller (QB, Western Illinois): Despite the loss, Miller showcased his arm talent, throwing for 220 yards and two touchdowns.

Statistical Overview: Charleston Southern vs. Western Illinois

Statistic	Charleston Southern	western Illinois
Total Yards	410	350
Passing Yards	285	220
Rushing Yards	125	130
Touchdowns	5	4
Interceptions	0	1
Turnovers	1	2
First Downs	22	18

Impact on Conference Standings & Playoff Implications

This win significantly boosts Charleston Southern’s position in the Big South Conference standings. With a record of 5-3 overall and 3-1 in conference play,the Buccaneers are now strong contenders for a playoff berth. The victory over Western Illinois provides a valuable resume boost for the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) playoffs. Analysts predict Charleston Southern will need to win at least