MARTIN, Tenn. – The Gardner-Webb University football team was dealt a 35-17 Big South Conference loss at the hands of UT Martin on Saturday evening inside Hardy M. Graham Stadium. The Skywhawks used a 28-point stretch over the middle quarters to pull away with the win.
 
Graduate Edward Saydee was a bright spot for the Runnin' Bulldogs, racking up 117 yards on 17 carries while sophomore Carson Gresock posted the lone rushing touchdown for GWU. Sophomore Giovanni Adopte led the receiving corps with three catches and 52 yards. Junior kicker Jay Billingsley added a season-long 46-yard field goal.
 
After UT Martin was forced to punt following a three-and-out on its first drive, the Runnin' Bulldogs were able to take an early lead, covering 45 yards on nine plays, capped by the three points off the right foot of Billingsley.
 
However, the Skyhawks came back with 21 unanswered points while establishing an 18-point lead heading into the break.
 
The Runnin' Bulldogs were poised to cut into the UT Martin deficit to open the second half after pushing the ball all the way down to the opponents 14-yard line, but a field pushed wide left the game at 21-3 in favor of the home team.
 
That missed opportunity proved costly as UT Martin drove 80 yards on seven plays while posting its fourth touchdown of the game, a 4-yard rush to paydirt by Kinkead Dent. That lead ballooned to 35-3 just two series later as Patrick Smith added a 30-yard rushing touchdown for the Skyhawks.
 
Gardner-Webb used a heavy dose of rushing on its second drive of the fourth quarter, pushing across its first touchdown of the game. Saydee was the feature back on the series, but it would be Gresock that plunged across the goal line to cut the UTM advantage to 35-10.
 
The Runnin' Bulldogs forced a turnover on down on the ensuing UT Martin possession before scoring their second consecutive touchdown following a quick 4-play, 73-yard drive that was fueled by a 43-yard pitch-and-catch from senior Tyler Riddell to Gresock. The scoring drive was capped by an 8-yard reception by senior Quasean Holmes.
 
However, that was the last bit of scoring by either team as UT Martin took home the 35-17 victory. Following a two-week hiatus, Gardner-Webb will return to the field as it welcomes the Lions of Lindenwood to Spangler Stadium on October 19. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.