The Big South Conference's first-ever automatic bid to the FCS Playoffs has been awarded to Coastal Carolina University, it was determined today following the completion of the regular-season. The Chanticleers defeated Charleston Southern this afternoon, 70-3, and coupled with Liberty's 54-28 victory over Stony Brook, finished in a three-way tie for first-place with the Flames and Seawolves at 5-1 - the first three-way tie in the League's nine-year football history.

The Big South's first three tiebreakers were not enough to break the three-way tie, therefore, the fourth step - Points allowed in Conference games - was the determining factor. The Chanticleers finished the six-game Big South schedule with 109 points allowed, ahead of Stony Brook (122) and Liberty (138).

Coastal Carolina will find out its playoff opponent tomorrow morning with the FCS Playoff Selection Show at 10:00am on ESPNU. The Chanticleers will be making their second playoff appearance, as they were earned an at-large berth in the 2006 - the Big South's first and only playoff appearance until this season.

Information courtesy bigsouthsports.com