Runnin' Bulldogs Fall Just Short in Nail-Biter vs Liberty

Saturday, September 12

Lynchburg, Va.

6 PM

Gardner-Webb University

0-3 , 0-0

Liberty

1-1 , 0-0

Team	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final F
Gardner-Webb	6	14	3	0	23
Liberty	14	3	0	7	24

Runnin' Bulldogs Fall Just Short in Nail-Biter vs Liberty

September 12, 2026 | Football

Box Score

By: CJ Carpenter

LYNCHBURG, VA- Gardner-Webb took on the Liberty Flames on Saturday September 12th and battled back and forth with their FBS opponent but fell just short by a score of 24-23. The Runnin' Bulldogs were able to find a balance between the rush and pass game as they would earn over 115 yards on the ground and keep Liberty on their toes which opened up the passing game for Cole Pennington.

Pennington would continue his solid start to the 2026 campaign throwing for 186 yards on 16 completions. The receiving was balanced through Gio Adopte, Jalile Bost and Kory Jones each having over 30 yards with Jones leading the way with 51 yards. Adopte led the way with receptions hauling in 4 passes. On the ground Randy Young led the way for Gardner-Webb and broke a huge run for a long of 65 and a touchdown. The offense was able to move the ball effectively despite the loss producing 304 total yards and leading in the Time Of Possession category, having possession for over thirty minutes of the game.

Defensively the Runin' Bulldogs relied on their defense to create stops and force turnovers and keep Liberty's offense off of the field.They were able to do that by limiting the Flames to just two conversions on third down on twelve opportunities. Gardner-Webb also got in the backfield and picked up four sacks on the day. They would also force two turnovers both being fumbles and one a house call for Sabin McLaughlin in the second quarter to get the Runnin' Bulldogs back in the game after being down 14-3. Zalen Watkins would force the other fumble early in the fourth quarter and Trenton Bell would be the one to recover it giving him his first fumble recovery on the season. Tre Yanez led the way with 10 total tackles with eight solo and 2 tackles for loss.

The Runnin' Bulldogs held the lead for much of the contest, but Liberty regained the lead when backup quarterback Jaylen Henderson connected with Darius Copeland for a 54-yard touchdown. That score proved to be the difference as the Flames would hold on for the one point victory.

Despite the loss Gardner-Webb once again proved that they can battle with any team they step onto the field with and will look to improve and take advantage of the home crowd being in their corner as they will play their first game at home this season as they will take on NC Central at Ernest. W. Spangler Stadium on September 19th at 6 p.m.