Gardner-Webb University
2-4 , 1-0
Charleston Southern
2-3 , 0-2
| Team | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gardner-Webb | 0 | 3 | 0 | 9 | 12 |
| Charleston So. | 0 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 10 |
Runnin’ Bulldogs Use Fourth-Quarter Rally to Capture BBQ Bowl Again
October 03, 2026 | Football
CHARLESTON, S.C. – A dominant defensive effort and a fourth-quarter comeback lifted the Gardner-Webb football team to a thrilling 12-10 victory over Charleston Southern Saturday night at Buccaneer Field, as the Runnin' Bulldogs captured their third straight North-South BBQ Bowl and fifth consecutive victory over the Buccaneers.
The victory also marked Gardner-Webb's first Ohio Valley Conference win of the season, moving the Runnin' Bulldogs to 2-4 overall and 1-0 in conference play. Charleston Southern falls to 2-3 overall and 0-2 in OVC play.
Gardner-Webb's defense set the tone throughout the night, limiting the Buccaneers to just 178 total yards and only 38 passing yards. Charleston Southern converted none of its 12 third-down opportunities, while the Runnin' Bulldogs registered five sacks and held CSU scoreless in the fourth quarter.
The defense also came up with two critical fourth-down stops. Gardner-Webb denied Charleston Southern at the goal line to keep the Buccaneers out of the end zone, and then came up with another fourth-down stop in the closing seconds to preserve the two-point victory.
After a scoreless opening quarter, Gardner-Webb struck first when Tyler Simpson connected on a 19-yard field goal with 11:36 remaining in the second quarter. Charleston Southern answered with a 48-yard field goal from Matt Rolader late in the half, sending the teams into halftime tied at 3-3.
The Buccaneers took their first lead of the night early in the third quarter when Hakeem Watters broke free for a 62-yard touchdown run, putting Charleston Southern ahead 10-3. Gardner-Webb's defense kept the deficit manageable, however, forcing a pair of punts and a missed field goal during the quarter.
The Runnin' Bulldogs answered in the fourth quarter.
Gardner-Webb put together a 12-play, 72-yard scoring drive that consumed nearly six minutes, with Cole Pennington connecting with Brian Green Jr. on a nine-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 10-10 with 10:57 remaining.
The defense then delivered the decisive play.
With Charleston Southern backed up deep in its own territory, Tye Holsey tackled the Buccaneers in the end zone for a safety with 5:56 remaining, giving Gardner-Webb its first lead of the night at 12-10.
The Runnin' Bulldogs' defense closed the door from there, forcing another Charleston Southern punt before the offense took over and ran out the final 51 seconds to secure the victory.
Tre Yanez led the defensive effort with a game-high 13 tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss and a sack. Zalen Watkins added six tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and a sack, while Tye Weems recorded four tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and a sack. Taylor Smallwood and Preston Hamilton also recorded sacks for the Runnin' Bulldogs.
Offensively, Pennington completed 27-of-47 passes for 197 yards and a touchdown, while Christian Vann led Gardner-Webb's rushing attack with 73 yards on 24 carries. Kory Jones paced the receiving corps with five catches for 60 yards, and Green Jr. hauled in four passes for 43 yards and the game-tying touchdown.
UP NEXT
- The Runnin' Bulldogs return home next Saturday when they host Eastern Illinois in an OVC matchup at Spangler Stadium.
- Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m.
Players Mentioned
Team Stats
GWU 3, CSU 0
GWU - Simpson,Tyler 19 yd field goal 12 plays, 56 yards, TOP 05:43
GWU 3, CSU 3
CSU - Rolader,Matt 48 yd field goal 4 plays, -2 yards, TOP 00:35
GWU 3, CSU 10
CSU - Watters,Hakeem 62 yd run (Rolader,Matt kick), 2 plays, 63 yards, TOP 00:48
GWU 10, CSU 10
GWU - Green Jr.,Brian 9 yd pass from Pennington,Cole (Bontekoe,Andrew kick) 12 plays, 72 yards, TOP 05:55
GWU 12, CSU 10
GWU - Holsey,Tye 0 yd safety
