When Gardner-Webb got beat on a last-second 50-yard field goal at Tennessee State, then lost 44-0 to struggling East Carolina, it looked like the Bulldogs may not recover.
A 41-14 defeat at Austin Peay two weeks later seemed to re-enforce that idea, dropping GWU to 2-4 overall.
But Tre Lamb’s resilient team picked itself up off the mat and hasn’t lost since. Gardner-Webb captured its fifth straight victory on Saturday, beating Charleston Southern 34-10 on senior day and military appreciation day at Ernest Spangler Stadium.
This latest victory gives the Bulldogs (7-4, 5-1 Big South/OVC) their second-straight conference championship and assures that the Boiling Springs school will hear its name called when the FCS playoff field is announced Sunday. Gardner-Webb last won back-to-back conference titles in 2002 and 2003. Until this season, the program has never earned back-to-back playoff berths.
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Jayden Brown rushed for 147 yards and had a 73-yard touchdown run to lead the GWU offense over Charleston Southern. Brendan Jackson made his two rushing yards count, scoring a pair of touchdowns on 1-yard runs. Jaylen King added 93 rushing yards, helping the Bulldogs to a 308-yard rushing day.
AJ Johnson caught a touchdown throw from Jaylen King. Jay Billingsley kicked field goals of 48 and 22 yards early in the game.
Brendan Jackson had a big day for the Gardner-Webb defense, recording 3.5 tackles for loss. The Bulldogs only allowed 81 yards in the second half and surrendered just 92 rushing yards for the game — the third game in a row the ‘Dogs have held an opponent under 100 yards on the ground.
Ty French added two sacks and forced a fumble. French is now the program’s all-time leader in sacks with 30.5 in his career. He replaces Gabe Wilkins, who earned 29 sacks from 1990-93.
Maleek Huggins had a 42-yard punt return in the game. Ja’Kai Young recovered an onsides kick that set up the Bulldogs’ second touchdown.
Gardner-Webb concludes the season 5-0 at home. The Bulldogs now await their playoff fate. The FCS Selection Show is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Sunday on ESPNU.
