BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – Gardner-Webb fell behind 21-0 in the first quarter and did not recover in a 45-14 loss to No. 16 Mercer Saturday night in Ernest W. Spangler Stadium.
The Runnin' Bulldogs (1-3) played without All-America running back
Narii Gaither for the third game in a row and finished with 47 rushing yards on 29 attempts. Quarterback
Bailey Fisher came on in the second half and led a quick scoring drive, but the Bears (3-1) used an efficient offensive effort and good field position to control the game throughout.
Devron Harper scored three touchdowns, including a 66-yard run on the game's first play and finished with eight catches for 109 yards and two scores through the air. Quarterback Fred Payton completed 15-of-27 balls for 187 yards and three scores and helped Mercer cruise to 357 yards of total offense.
The Bears also got a defensive score, using a pick six from Lance Wise – who rambled 67 yards for a touchdown and a 28-7 lead at the half.
Matthew Caldwell got his first start under center for the Runnin' Bulldogs and finished 9-of-19 for 99 yards and an interception. Fisher came off the bench to complete 15-of-21 passes for 143 yards, one touchdown and an interception.
T.J. Luther caught a contested 21-yard touchdown with 9:57 to play in the third quarter to trim Mercer's lead to 28-14, but the Bears would not allow the lead to shrink any further. Harper hauled in a 30-yard touchdown and a short field goal and short rushing touchdown closed out the scoring for the visitors. Luther finished with seven catches for 100 yards.
Jalin Graham scored Gardner-Webb's first touchdown from one-yard out in the second quarter.
Janathian Turner,
Jamari Brown and
William McRainey each had nine tackles to lead the GWU defense. Mercer got seven hits each from Michael Campbell and TJ Moore, with the defense forcing three turnovers in the game.
Gardner-Webb will begin a grueling, four-week road swing next Saturday, traveling to face Marshall at 3:30 pm in Huntington, WVa. The game will stream live on ESPN+ and will air live on WGNC 1450 AM/101.1 FM with Dave Friedman and Mike Pacheco on the call.
