It's "money game" weekend for many FCS football programs around the country with three in-state schools taking on FBS opponents for healthy six-figure payout that helps sustain smaller school programs.

Charleston Southern (1-9) will travel to Florida State (1-9) on Saturday, while The Citadel visits Clemson and Wofford plays at South Carolina. CSU is no stranger to these games, and the money earned has gone a long way in capital improvements around the football program. A game against Colorado in 2013, which was added to the schedule in-season, ended up paying for lights at Buccaneer Field.

CSU coach Gabe Giardina, a former assistant under two previous head coaches at CSU, has been involved in numerous money games, including a trip to Hawaii and a game against Florida in Tim Tebow's senior season. The Bucs have never beaten a Power 4 program but did come close in 2014 when they lost 21-20 to Vanderbilt.

Sports CSU loses in overtime to Eastern Illinois; fall to 1-10 By David Shelton Special to The Post and Courier

The Bucs played at Clemson last season, holding a 14-7 early lead before losing 66-17.

"Obviously, financially these are great, but also these are great opportunities," Giardina said. "They're good for recruiting. The environments, the noise. Chance to test yourself. I think these games are good for college football and certainly good for Charleston Southern."

While his team may be outmanned by an FSU roster full of four- and five-star players, he does feel this particular team will not be overwhelmed by the opponent or the atmosphere.

"It's us against the world, and those are fun environments to be in," Giardina said. "We can go play free and just cut it loose. All of our guys are great competitors. I don't think the moment will be too big for them. They're just going to go play football.

Sports Bucs no match for No. 19 UT-Martin By David Shelton Special to the Post and Courier

"The good thing this week is that the game is at the end of the season. We have played a lot of football, seen a lot of things. It's not like walking out there in Game 1 or 2 where we are still trying to figure out who we are."

CSU has lost nine straight games since their only win over Furman in the second week of the season. The Bucs have lost five games by less than a touchdown, including an overtime loss at Eastern Illinois last Saturday. Giardina has never wavered in his confidence or admiration for this year's team.

"I know this team deeply loves each other, so we will respond," he said. "This team is a good team, regardless of our record. It is one of the most fun teams I have ever coached. It has been a hard season, but I am not dissatisfied with our guys' effort and the work they have put in. I can't put my finger on why so many close losses, but I know the hard times are going to help all of us, players and coaches, grow in our personal lives."