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SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Wofford turned field position into two long field goals to take an early 6-0 lead, and Gardner-Webb would not answer in a 16-0 loss at rainy Gibbs Stadium Saturday night.

The Runnin' Bulldogs (1-3) were without three starters on the offensive line and could not mount much of a threat against the Terriers (2-2), managing just 149 total offensive yards (91 rushing) on the night.

"We had a good defensive plan and I thought our kids came out and played well against a great running football team," said Gardner-Webb head coach Carroll McCray. "We've allowed only one touchdown in regulation for three games in a row. The kicking game was sporadic, we didn't pin them like we needed to and they're a four-down offense. We need to go back to the board and make sure we get the right people in the right spots.

"Offensively we just couldn't get anything going. We had the turnovers and couldn't get any first downs back-to-back-to-back. We really had three opportunities, especially down at the plus-40, but we gave it right back to them."

After a long punt backed Wofford at its four-yard line early in the second quarter, the Terriers mounted a 16-play, 96-yard scoring drive that was capped by Ray Smith's seven yard run with 10:09 to play before the half.

That 13-0 lead would remain intact until David Marvin connected on a 39-yard field goal with 3:30 left in the game for the final margin.

Gardner-Webb did advance the football into Wofford territory four times in the second half, but were stymied twice by turnovers – an interception on a tipped ball as quarterback Tyrell Maxwell was hit as he threw, and a fumble when a wet ball came loose as Maxwell attempted to pass.

The Runnin' Bulldogs did a fine job containing the Terriers' nationally-ranked rushing attack, holding Wofford more than 130 yards below its season average to keep the game within striking distance. GWU held Wofford to just 45 yards on the ground and 68 yards of total offense in the second half, with linebackers Chad Geter and Azziz Higgins around the football often.

Wofford finished the night with 224 yards of total offense on 62 plays, with 159 yards coming on the ground. All-SoCon back Lorenzo Long carried 20 times for 63 yards to lead the way and Smith added 12 carries for 47 yards and the game's only touchdown. Quarterback Evan Jacks collected 21 yards on 10 carries and was sacked once.

Marvin made field goals from 45 yards, 50 yards and 39 yards to pace the Terriers' scoring.

Gardner-Webb – without starting tackles Matt McAlvin and Will Millikan and guard Madison O'Connor – was led by freshman Josh Bettistea on the ground with 12 carries for 45 yards. Maxwell carried 17 times for 45 yards and completed 11-of-27 passes for 58 yards in his first game back from injury.

Freshman Adonus Lee caught three passes for 24 yards to pace the receiving corps. His 17-yard gain on a screen in the fourth quarter was the longest play of the night for the Runnin' Bulldogs. Mike Estes had three catches for 19 yards at tight end.

Geter had a season-high 13 total tackles (six solo), and 2.0 tackles for loss to lead a strong defensive effort. Higgins added 13 stops (four solo), Spencer Havird and Aaron Cook each had eight tackles and nose guard OJ Mau fought for six hits and a tackle for loss in the middle.

The Runnin' Bulldogs will rest during an open date, then will begin Big South Conference play on Saturday, October 10, when they host 10th-ranked Liberty in Spangler Stadium. That game is set for a 7:00 pm kickoff and will be televised by ASN (American Sports Network).

NOTES
« Saturday marked the third game in a row that the Gardner-Webb defense had allowed just one touchdown in regulation.

« Gardner-Webb's defense allowed Wofford just 2.0 yards per carry on the ground in the final 30 minutes (22 carries, 45 yards).

« At least one Gardner-Webb linebacker has made at least 10 stops in each of the team's first four games. Chad Geter and Azziz Higgins both did so at Wofford (13 hits each).

« Freshman Kyle Horton nearly broke his first kickoff return for six points. The Charlotte, N.C., native went untouched up the middle for 43 yards before begin tripped up just beyond midfield.

« Gardner-Webb played 12 freshmen Saturday night against the Terriers.