Gardner-Webb’s attempt to score an upset of James Madison fell just short Saturday night, the Runnin’ Bulldogs on the wrong end of a 13-6 result.
The Runnin’ Bulldogs led 3-0 at halftime, the team in pursuit of their first win under coach Cris Reisert. Two costly interceptions — one in the first and another in the third — dealt such chances a severe blow.
Gardner-Webb (0-2) dominated time of possession, holding the ball nearly 34 minutes. Its 269 yards were 16 shy of James Madison’s total for the game.
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Key play
Facing third and goal from Gardner-Webb 1, James Madison’s Tyler Purdy punched it in to give his team its first lead of the night. The Dukes tacked on field goals their next two possessions, their defensive unit forcing Gardner-Webb to turn it over on downs on its final possession.
GWU player of the game
Jay Billingsley, the junior kicker from Anderson, South Carolina, connected on field goals of 44 and 30 yards, accounting for all six of his team’s points.
Other impact players
- Edward Saydee: Rushed for 87 yards on 22 carries.
- Camden Overton: Caught five passes for 65 yards.
- Trevor Moffitt: The junior linebacker had a team-high 12 tackles and a sack.
Gardner-Webb 2024 football schedule
- Aug. 29 Wofford (L, 21-20)
- Sept. 7 at James Madison (L, 13-6)
- Sept. 14 at Charlotte, 6 p.m.
- Sept. 21 at Presbyterian, 7 p.m.
- Sept. 28 vs. Tennessee Tech, 4 p.m.
- Oct. 5 at UT-Martin, 3 p.m.
- Oct. 19 Lindenwood, 1:30 p.m.
- Oct. 26 at Southeast Missouri State, 3 p.m.
- Nov. 2 at Charleston Southern, 2 p.m.
- Nov. 9 Eastern Illinois, 1:30 p.m.
- Nov. 16 Tennessee State, 1:30 p.m.
- Nov. 23 at Western Illinois, 2 p.m.
This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Gardner-Webb football upset bid falls short at James Madison
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