Charlotte rallies to beat Gardner-Webb 27-26 after 17-point comeback
- Gardner-Webb initially led the game, scoring the first 17 points, including a field goal and a pick-six.
- Charlotte made a comeback in the fourth quarter, with Trexler Ivey throwing two touchdown passes and a successful two-point conversion.
- The victory improved Charlotte's record to 1-2, while Gardner-Webb remained winless at 0-3.
In a thrilling college football matchup on Saturday, Charlotte overcame a significant 17-point deficit against Gardner-Webb to secure a narrow 27-26 victory. The Runnin’ Bulldogs initially dominated the game, scoring the first 17 points, including a 30-yard field goal and a 45-yard interception return for a touchdown. As the first half concluded, Gardner-Webb extended their lead with a touchdown pass, leaving Charlotte trailing 17-3 at halftime. Charlotte began to rally in the second half, with Stephen Rusnak kicking a 54-yard field goal just before halftime. Despite Gardner-Webb's efforts to maintain their lead with a 44-yard field goal, Charlotte's Trexler Ivey entered the game and made a significant impact. He completed 11 of 12 passes for 142 yards and threw two crucial touchdown passes in the fourth quarter. The turning point came when Sean Brown caught a 28-yard touchdown pass from Ivey and subsequently secured a two-point conversion, tying the game at 20-20 with just over five minutes remaining. Hahsaun Wilson then scored a 39-yard touchdown run, giving Charlotte the lead. Gardner-Webb responded with a one-yard touchdown run by Carson Gresock, but their two-point conversion attempt was thwarted by Charlotte's defense. This victory marked Charlotte's first win of the season, improving their record to 1-2, while Gardner-Webb fell to 0-3. The game showcased Charlotte's resilience and ability to perform under pressure, setting a positive tone for the remainder of their season.