Gardner-Webb, fresh off a near upset of a top-10 opponent, will head to Charleston Southern on Saturday for the renewal of the Barbecue Bowl.
The Bulldogs (2-6, 1-3) and Buccaneers (1-7, 0-5) will kick off at 2 p.m. The contest will be broadcast on ESPN+.
The stakes go beyond the field: the winner will claim the North-South BBQ Trophy and, maybe most importantly, barbecue bragging rights, as the losing side is tasked with providing a victory feast—either North Carolina or South Carolina style.
Here are 10 Things To Know about Gardner-Webb and Charleston Southern:
- The Tradition – This year’s Barbecue Bowl revives the tradition established in 2021 between Gardner-Webb and Campbell when both were in the Big South together. It now pits Gardner-Webb and Charleston Southern in an annual “Clash of the Carolinas.”
- Trophy Up for Grabs – The North-South BBQ Trophy features a hefty hog adorned with the winning team’s name and score. The trophy marks regional pride and serves as a symbol of victory.
- High Stakes Barbecue – The winning team enjoys a feast of regional barbecue, while the losing side foots the bill. Gardner-Webb’s Western North Carolina-style and Charleston Southern’s South Carolina-style barbecue add fuel to the rivalry.
- Gardner-Webb By Air – Quarterback Tyler Riddell leads Gardner-Webb’s offense with 1,583 passing yards and 11 touchdowns, topping the Big South/OVC in completion percentage at 66.1%.
- Charleston Southern’s Ground Game – Autavius Ison powers the Buccaneers with 672 rushing yards and four touchdowns, ranking second in the conference at 96 yards per game.
- Battle of the Receivers – Gardner-Webb’s Anthony Lowe leads his team with 28 receptions for 370 yards, while Charleston Southern’s Chris Rhone boasts 464 yards and three touchdowns, ranking in the league’s top 10.
- Gardner-Webb’s Defensive Leader – Linebacker Trevor Moffitt anchors the Runnin’ Bulldogs’ defense with 49 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks, including a memorable 45-yard pick-six against Charlotte.
- Struggles for Charleston Southern QB Rob McCoy – McCoy has thrown four touchdowns and four interceptions, tallying 670 passing yards, the lowest in the Big South/OVC.
- Scoring Gap – Charleston Southern averages just 15.5 points per game while allowing 25.9, reflecting their challenges in the league.
- Momentum Check – Charleston Southern’s last win came in a 24-20 upset over then-15th-ranked Furman, but they’ve since lost six straight, with five losses in conference play. Gardner-Webb pushed No. 6 ranked Southeast Missouri to the limit last Saturday before falling 30-24.
