BOILING SPRINGS – Gardner-Webb's Jayln Cagle ran for a career-high 179 yards and a touchdown, but Liberty forced three turnovers and scored twice in the fourth quarter to cap a 33-17 decision in Spangler Stadium.

The Runnin' Bulldogs (1-7, 0-2 Big South) drove deep into the red zone four times during the game, but scored only once on those trips – with a pair of field goal miscues and an interception halting promising drives.

Liberty (4-4, 1-2 Big South) snapped a four-game losing streak, overcoming a costly red zone turnover itself that led to a long touchdown drive by Gardner-Webb. in the second quarter.

Gardner-Webb forced a three-and-out on the Flames' first drive, and marched all the way down to the 15-yard line before stalling. A 31-yard field goal was wide left after a high snap, and the Flames eventually were able to surge in front on their third drive.

Stephen Calvert hit Antonio Gandy-Golden for a 40-yard touchdown with 4:30 to play in the first quarter, but Josh Ramseur stepped in to block the PAT kick to keep the score at 6-0.

After Liberty drove to the Gardner-Webb 22-yard line early in the second quarter, Calvert found Cephas Reddick over the middle for a 21-yard gain, but Damario Lott punched the ball loose at the one-yard line – and Corey Horne pounced on the fumble in the end zone for a touchback.

That was a key spark for Gardner-Webb, and a costly miscue for the Flames, as Tyrell Maxwell led the Runnin' Bulldogs into the lead on an eight-play, 80-yard scoring drive. Jayln Cagle carried twice for 24 yards to get the march in high gear and, after a completion to tight end Caleb Chapman for nine yards, Maxwell hit a wide open Brody Rollins for a 40-yard touchdown strike over the middle.

Schumacher's extra point gave Gardner-Webb a 7-6 lead with 8:17 to play before the half.

The two teams both punted on their next possessions, but the Flames took advantage of field position to set up shop at the GWU 32-yard line after the exchange.

Calvert did quick work, hitting Damian King for gains of 10 and 22 yards in just 38 seconds – with King's 22-yard touchdown catch putting the visitors up 12-7. Calvert's two-point pass was thrown away.

Gardner-Webb received the third quarter kickoff and Cagle powered the drive out near midfield. Facing third-and-11, Maxwell hit a streaking Kyle Horton for a 35-yard gain and connected with Rollins on a 10-yarder to get GWU back into the red zone.

Maxwell's next pass was a costly one, as his attempt to hit Tysean Carter in the end zone was picked off in coverage.

The Flames went 80 yards in just five plays, with Carrington Mosley punching in from a yard away for a 19-7 lead with 9:50 left in the third.

Gardner-Webb had another answer, driving 61 yards all the way down to the Liberty four-yard line. Maxwell was caught in the pocket and sacked on third down, setting up a 22-yard field goal that Schumacher made for a 19-10 score.

The GWU defense, despite playing without starters Kenyatta Dunbar and Jeffrey Pegues and with All-Conference end P.J. Fuimaono hobbled and limited, forced a punt on Liberty's next drive, and the 'Dogs pulled closer early in the fourth quarter.

After Gardner-Webb's drive stalled at the 37-yard line, Cagle burst through on a fourth and short to score a touchdown with 14:07 to play in the game. Schumacher's kick pulled GWU within 19-17 with plenty of time left.

A disastrous play on the kickoff return put Liberty in difficult field position, as the kick was fumbled out of bounds at the three-yard line. Calvert responded in clutch fashion, converting two key third downs on the drive. His 17-yarder to Reddick on third-and-15 set the Flames up at the Gardner-Webb four – and Mosley scored two plays later for a 26-17 lead.

The 97-yard drive took 16 plays and 5:26 off the clock.

Gardner-Webb had no trouble moving back into scoring position, taking advantage of back-to-back penalties in the secondary to get to the Flames' 42. A 20-yard gain by Maxwell on the ground gave GWU first down at the 16-yard line, but the drive stalled.

Schumacher's 31-yard field goal attempt was blocked, and Chris Turner returned the ball all the way to the Gardner-Webb 36.

The Runnin' Bulldogs forced another punt, but Liberty was able to run 3:19 off the clock. 

Disaster struck on first down, as Jeremy Peters jumped the route and returned a Maxwell interception 15 yards for a backbreaking score.

Gardner-Webb had one last chance, but Peters picked off Maxwell at the Liberty 22 on a deep ball over the middle. The Flames ran out the clock from there.

Gardner-Webb gained 483 yards of total offense in the game, including 277 on the ground.

With Liberty keying on Maxwell and limiting his production to 61 yards rushing, Cagle stepped up with 24 carries and his career-best 179 yards. He added two catches for 27 yards, finishing with 206 all-purpose yards.

Tysean Carter added 37 yards on five carries, as Gardner-Webb entered the game with only two healthy running backs.

Maxwell was solid early passing the football, but finished 13-of-32 for 206 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions.

Rollins was his top target again, catching three passes for 61 yards and a score. Horton had two catches for 44 yards, with both going for key first downs.

Corey Horne led the way once again on defense, collecting 10 tackles to go with a half tackle for loss and a fumble recovery. Ramseur finished with eight tackles, a sack and 1.5 tackles for loss. Lott had a career-high seven hits and a forced fumble.

Liberty finished with 458 yards of total offense, with Calvert continuing his production through the air. The sophomore trigger man finished 21-of-34 for 333 yards and two scores and was sacked once for a 10-yard loss.

King caught eight balls for 108 yards and a score and Gandy-Golden hauled in four passes for 123 yards and a score.

Mosley carried 20 times for 114 yards and two touchdowns, giving the Flames their first 100-yard back since the third week of the season.

Peters finished with two tackles, three interceptions and three pass break ups in an active day at corner. Juwan Wells and Jaylyn McKinney each had nine stops.

Gardner-Webb will close out its home schedule next weekend, hosting Charleston Southern at 1:30 pm on Senior Day. The game will be televised live by College Football Down South (CFDS). Local and regional affiliates will be announced later next week.