BUIES CREEK – In a thrilling back-and-forth contest, Campbell edged out Delaware State 44-41 on Saturday at Barker-Lane Stadium, securing their first home victory of the season. The game was a showcase of offensive firepower, with both teams combining for a staggering 974 yards of total offense.

The star of the day was Campbell's wide receiver Sincere Brown, who put on a spectacular performance with 133 receiving yards and three touchdowns on just five catches. His final score, a two-yard reception from quarterback Chad Mascoe Jr. with only 42 seconds left on the clock, proved to be the game-winner. This clutch play capped off a rapid 79-yard drive that saw the Camels march down the field in just five plays, including crucial catches by VJ Wilkins and RJ Jackson.

Campbell WR Sincere Brown (Photo Credit: Bennett Scarborough)

Mascoe Jr. had an outstanding day under center, completing 18 of 26 passes for 323 yards and three touchdowns. His connection with Brown and Wilkins, who added 115 yards on seven receptions, was pivotal in keeping the Camels' offense rolling throughout the game.

On the other side of the field, Delaware State's offense was equally impressive. Quarterback Marqui Adams threw for 252 yards and four touchdowns, completing 12 of 23 attempts. The Hornets' ground game was particularly potent, led by running back Jaden Sutton, who racked up an impressive 198 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries.

The game was a seesaw battle from start to finish, featuring seven lead changes, with five occurring in the fourth quarter alone. Each time one team seemed to take control, the other would respond with a big play or crucial drive.

Campbell's defense, while giving up significant yardage, made key stops when it mattered most. Linebacker Jojo Pace led the unit with 10 tackles and a critical interception, while Jalen Brooks contributed eight tackles. Defensive lineman Elijah Hawk was a disruptive force, recording 1.5 tackles for loss, including one of Campbell's two sacks on the day.

The final moments of the game were filled with tension as Delaware State, trailing by three points, quickly drove to the Campbell 32-yard line with just seconds remaining. However, Michel Bergeron's 49-yard field goal attempt fell short, sealing the victory for the Camels.

This high-scoring affair showcased the offensive talents of both teams. Campbell's passing attack was particularly effective in the second half, accumulating 346 of their 457 total yards through the air. Delaware State, meanwhile, found success on the ground, rushing for 265 of their 517 total yards.

The game also marked a milestone for Campbell's receiving corps, as Brown and Wilkins became only the second pair of Camels to each surpass 100 receiving yards in a single game. The last time this feat was accomplished was in November 2022 against Bryant.

For Campbell, this victory improves their record to 2-3 and provides a much-needed boost of confidence as they look to build momentum for the remainder of the season. Delaware State, despite the loss, can take solace in their offensive output and the individual performances of players like Adams and Sutton.

Up Next

Campbell hosts in-state FCS rival NC Central while Delaware State hosts Saint Francis.

DURHAM – In a remarkable turnaround, Duke overcame a 20-point deficit to defeat North Carolina 21-20 in their Atlantic Coast Conference opener on Saturday. The victory ended Duke’s six-game losing streak against their in-state rivals and marked a significant milestone for first-year head coach Manny Diaz.

The game, played at Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium, saw a crowd of 35,018 spectators witness a tale of two halves. North Carolina dominated the first half, building a 17-0 lead by halftime. However, Duke’s resilience in the second half turned the tide, culminating in a go-ahead touchdown run by Peyton Jones with just 5:42 left on the clock.

Duke’s comeback was spearheaded by running back Star Thomas, who finished with 166 yards on 30 carries and two touchdowns. Thomas’s performance was crucial in wearing down the North Carolina defense, which had shown vulnerability in their previous game against James Madison.

The first half belonged entirely to North Carolina. Quarterback Jacolby Criswell connected with J. Jones for a 24-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter, following an earlier field goal by Noah Burnette. Criswell struck again in the second quarter with a 10-yard touchdown pass to B. Nesbit, pushing the Tar Heels’ lead to 17-0.

North Carolina’s dominance continued into the third quarter when Burnette added another field goal, extending their lead to 20-0. At this point, Duke’s chances seemed slim, having generated only 97 yards of total offense in the first half.

The turning point came midway through the third quarter when Duke quarterback Maalik Murphy found Thomas for a 29-yard touchdown pass, finally putting the Blue Devils on the scoreboard. This spark ignited Duke’s offense and defense alike.

Early in the fourth quarter, Thomas punched in a 2-yard touchdown run, narrowing the gap to 20-14. The Duke defense, which had struggled to contain North Carolina’s offense in the first half, found its footing and forced crucial stops.

The stage was set for Jones’s game-winning 20-yard touchdown run with 5:42 remaining. Duke’s defense sealed the victory when Tre Freeman intercepted a Criswell pass in the final seconds, sending Blue Devils fans storming onto the field to reclaim the Victory Bell, the trophy awarded to the winner of this rivalry game.

Despite the loss, North Carolina’s offense showed efficiency, particularly in the first half. Criswell completed 21 of 39 passes for 251 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Omarion Hampton contributed 103 yards on 29 carries. However, the Tar Heels’ inability to sustain their momentum in the second half proved costly.

Duke’s Murphy, while not as prolific in the passing game, made key throws when it mattered most. He finished 15 of 34 for 209 yards and one touchdown. The Blue Devils’ ground game, led by Thomas, ultimately wore down the North Carolina defense, accumulating 185 rushing yards compared to North Carolina’s 156.

Defensively, both teams had standout performers. For North Carolina, J. Harris led with 11 total tackles, while A. Lane contributed 10. Duke’s defense was anchored by T. Moore and O. Nicholas, each recording 10 total tackles.

The game statistics reflected the close nature of the contest. North Carolina edged Duke in total offensive yards (407 to 394) and first downs (19 to 20). However, Duke’s ability to convert in crucial moments, particularly in the second half, proved decisive.

This victory improves Duke’s record to 5-0 for the season, while North Carolina falls to 3-2. The loss marks North Carolina’s second consecutive defeat, following their high-scoring loss to James Madison the previous week.

For Duke, this win represents more than just a single victory. It signifies a potential shift in the program’s trajectory under new leadership. Diaz, in his debut season with the Blue Devils, has now guided the team to their best start since 1994.

The game also highlighted the unpredictable nature of college football, where momentum can shift dramatically and no lead is truly safe. North Carolina’s inability to maintain their first-half performance will undoubtedly be a point of focus for head coach Mack Brown and his staff in the coming weeks.

As the ACC season progresses, both teams will look to build on this game. Duke aims to maintain their unbeaten record and prove themselves as contenders in the conference. North Carolina, meanwhile, faces the challenge of regrouping and addressing the issues that led to their second-half collapse.

Up Next

Both teams are in conference action next week as Duke (5-0) travels to Atlanta to take on Georgia Tech and North Carolina (3-2) hosts Pitt.

GREENVILLE – On an unseasonably warm September afternoon in eastern North Carolina, the East Carolina Pirates and UTSA Roadrunners clashed in a high-stakes American Athletic Conference opener. With the mercury hitting 85 degrees and a gentle southwest breeze, 41,851 fans packed Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, eager to see which team would emerge victorious in this early-season showdown.

The game began with UTSA's defense flexing its muscles, forcing a quick three-and-out from ECU's offense. However, the tide turned rapidly when UTSA's running back Robert Henry fumbled on their first possession, giving ECU prime field position. The Pirates capitalized with a short field goal, drawing first blood.

UTSA's offense, led by quarterback Owen McCown, responded swiftly. A 66-yard bomb to Willie McCoy set up a game-tying field goal, knotting the score at 3-3. The first quarter continued its back-and-forth nature, with UTSA striking next. McCown orchestrated an impressive 80-yard drive, capped off by a 5-yard touchdown pass to tight end Oscar Cardenas, giving the Roadrunners a 10-3 lead.

As the second quarter unfolded, both defenses tightened their grip. UTSA's Martavius French and Jamal Ligon wreaked havoc in the ECU backfield, while ECU's Michael Edwards III disrupted the Roadrunners' passing game with timely pass breakups. The Pirates' offense struggled to find rhythm, but their special teams came through with a clutch field goal, narrowing the gap to 13-10 just before halftime.

The third quarter saw a dramatic shift in momentum. ECU's quarterback Jake Garcia, who had been stifled for much of the first half, suddenly found his groove. He connected with Winston Wright Jr. on a 40-yard touchdown strike, giving ECU its first lead of the game at 17-13. The Pirates' defense, energized by the offensive explosion, forced a quick three-and-out.

Garcia wasn't done yet. Later in the quarter, he uncorked a 53-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Smith, extending ECU's lead to 24-13. The home crowd erupted, sensing a potential upset in the making.

A resilient UTSA squad refused to go quietly. Early in the fourth quarter, running back Brandon High broke free for a scintillating 66-yard touchdown run, breathing new life into the Roadrunners and cutting the deficit to 27-20.

The game's final minutes were a test of nerves for both teams. UTSA's defense, led by Zah Frazier's two interceptions, gave the Roadrunners multiple chances to equalize. However, ECU's defense rose to the occasion each time, with Omar Rogers and Andrew Wilson-Lamp each snagging crucial interceptions of their own.

In the end, ECU's Noah Perez sealed the victory with a 24-yard field goal in the waning seconds, securing a hard-fought 30-20 win for the Pirates. The victory marked ECU's first conference opener win since 2021 and sent Greenville into party mode.

Despite the loss, UTSA showed flashes of brilliance. McCown finished with 251 passing yards and a touchdown, while High's 92 rushing yards on just seven carries hinted at his explosive potential. For ECU, Garcia overcame a slow start to throw for 294 yards and two touchdowns, with Chase Sowell leading the receiving corps with 67 yards on four catches.

The game was a defensive showcase as well, with both teams forcing multiple turnovers. ECU's Michael Edwards III was a standout, recording nine tackles, including 1.5 for loss, and two pass breakups. UTSA's Martavius French matched that intensity with eight tackles and a tackle for loss.

Next Week

Both teams are on the road next week as UTSA travels to Houston to take on Rice while East Carolina makes it first ever appearance at Charlotte’s Jerry Richardson Stadium in an Old North State clash.

The wrath of Hurricane Helene has led to the postponement and cancellation of several college football games across North Carolina. The severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and strong winds, forced schools to prioritize the safety of players, staff, and fans. As a result, numerous highly anticipated matchups were either rescheduled or called off, leaving the college football community to navigate the disruptions caused by the storm.

FBS

App State vs. Liberty: The highly anticipated game between Appalachian State and Liberty was canceled due to the severe impact of Hurricane Helene. Boone, the home of Appalachian State, experienced significant flooding and hazardous conditions, making it unsafe for the game to proceed. Both teams expressed disappointment but emphasized the importance of prioritizing the safety of players, staff, and fans. Unfortunately, the game will not be rescheduled, leaving fans to look forward to future matchups.

FCS

Davidson at Presbyterian: The football game between Davidson and Presbyterian, originally scheduled for September 28, has been postponed to September 29 due to the severe weather conditions brought by Hurricane Helene. The game will now take place at Davidson College Stadium, with kickoff set for 5:00 PM ET. This change was made to ensure the safety of players, staff, and fans as the hurricane impacts the region. Admission to the game will be FREE.

D2

Mars Hill vs. Wingate: The matchup between Mars Hill and Wingate was also called off as Hurricane Helene brought heavy rains and strong winds to the region. The decision to cancel the game was made to ensure the safety of everyone involved, as travel and playing conditions were deemed too dangerous. Both schools are now working on adjusting their schedules and preparing for their next games once conditions improve.

Tusculum at Lenoir-Rhyne: The matchup between Tusculum and Lenoir-Rhyne has been rescheduled from September 28 to September 29 and will be played at Shuford Stadium on the campus of Catawba College in Salisbury. The game, now set for a 3:00 PM kickoff, was moved due to power outages and other disruptions caused by Hurricane Helene in the Hickory area.

D3

Brevard at Maryville: The football game between Brevard and Maryville has been postponed indefinitely due to the adverse weather conditions caused by Hurricane Helene. No new date has been set for the game as officials continue to monitor the situation and prioritize the safety of all involved. Further updates will be provided as soon as a new date is determined.

NAIA

St. Andrews vs. Lindsey Wilson: St. Andrews' game against Lindsey Wilson was another casualty of Hurricane Helene's destructive path. The storm's impact on the area led to the cancellation of the game, with both teams agreeing that safety was the top priority. The cancellation has disrupted the season for both teams, but they remain focused on their upcoming games and the remainder of the season.

DURHAM – North Carolina Central overwhelmed North Carolina A&T in a lopsided 66-24 victory Saturday night at O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium. The Eagles improved to 2-2 on the season, while the Aggies fell to 1-2.

NCCU quarterback Walker Harris led the offensive onslaught, completing 15 of 22 passes for 254 yards and three touchdowns. He also added a rushing touchdown. Running back J'Mari Taylor contributed significantly, rushing for 137 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries, including a 66-yard scoring run in the first quarter that gave the Eagles a lead they would not relinquish.

The game started with a bang as NC A&T's Aaron Harris returned the opening kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown. However, NCCU quickly responded and built a commanding 40-12 lead by halftime.

NCCU's defense played a crucial role in the victory, forcing four turnovers. Mekhi Bigelow, Jaylen Bowden, and Cameron Williams each intercepted passes from NC A&T quarterbacks. The Eagles also scored on a blocked punt recovered by Trey Goodridge and an 11-yard fumble return by Malcolm Reed.

For NC A&T, quarterback Justin Fomby struggled, completing just 12 of 26 passes for 153 yards and two interceptions. The Aggies' ground game was led by Shimique Blizzard, who rushed for 67 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries.

The Eagles dominated in total yardage, outgaining the Aggies 512 to 327. NCCU was particularly effective on third downs, converting 8 of 13 attempts compared to NC A&T's 4 of 18.

Next Week

North Carolina Central hosts Norfolk State in the MEAC opener while North Carolina A&T travels to Orangeburg, SC to play South Carolina State in nonconference action.

LYNCHBURG, VA – The East Carolina Pirates (2-2) suffered a 35-24 loss to the Liberty Flames (4-0) in a rain-delayed game that stretched into the early hours of Sunday morning at Williams Stadium.

The game, which kicked off at 6:02 p.m. Saturday, was quickly halted due to weather conditions and didn't resume until 10:45 p.m. It finally concluded at 2:00 a.m., making for a marathon evening of football.

East Carolina started strong, racing to a 17-0 lead early in the second quarter. Quarterback Jake Garcia opened the scoring with an 8-yard touchdown run, followed by a 1-yard plunge from Marlon Gunn Jr. Andrew Conrad added a 35-yard field goal to extend the lead.

However, Liberty mounted a comeback, scoring 28 unanswered points to take control of the game. The Pirates managed one more touchdown in the third quarter when Rahjai Harris found the end zone from 2 yards out, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Flames' offensive surge.

Garcia completed 20 of 36 passes for 204 yards but was intercepted once. Chase Sowell led ECU's receivers with 5 catches for 72 yards, including a 42-yard reception in the first quarter. On the ground, Harris led the team with 47 yards on 13 carries.

Defensively, Omar Rogers paced the Pirates with 11 tackles, while Isaiah Brown-Murray recorded his first career interception and forced fumble.

Despite the defeat, ECU maintained its trend of strong starts, outscoring opponents 50-3 in first quarters this season. The Pirates also extended their streak of forcing at least one turnover to 43 of their last 47 games.

The game set an attendance record for Williams Stadium, with 24,076 fans braving the long weather delay to watch the first-ever meeting between these two programs.

Next Week

The loss concludes East Carolina's non-conference schedule. They'll begin American Athletic Conference play next Saturday when they host UTSA at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.

CHARLOTTE – In a tight matchup on a warm Saturday afternoon, the Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls secured a 21-16 victory over Virginia Union at Irwin Belk Stadium in Uptown Charlotte. With the win, JCSU improves to 4-0 on the season.

JCSU’s offense, led by quarterback Darius Ocean, outgained VUU 400 yards to 180. Ocean completed 17 of 28 passes for 282 yards and one touchdown. His primary target was receiver Brevin Caldwell, who caught 9 passes for 140 yards.

The ground game proved crucial for JCSU, with running back Quavari Crouch scoring two rushing touchdowns. Crouch and teammate Kamarro Edmonds each rushed for 53 yards on the day.

Virginia Union’s offense struggled to find its rhythm, managing only 40 rushing yards on 24 attempts. Quarterback Mark Wright completed 13 of 19 passes for 140 yards, with Ricky Key Jr. being his top receiver, catching 4 passes for 73 yards.

JCSU took an early lead in the first quarter with a 4-yard touchdown run by Crouch. VUU responded with a 42-yard field goal by Brady Myers. The second quarter saw JCSU extend their lead with a 20-yard touchdown pass from Ocean to Crouch, while VUU’s Jada Byers scored on a 1-yard run.

The third quarter belonged to JCSU, with Crouch scoring his second rushing touchdown. VUU attempted a comeback in the fourth quarter, with Byers scoring another touchdown, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit.

Despite the loss, VUU’s defense showed resilience, forcing two JCSU fumbles and blocking a field goal attempt. Jerome Jones led the VUU defense with 10 tackles, including one for a loss.

Up Next

JCSU looks to extend their season-opening win streak on the road at Bluefield State in another CIAA matchup

BLOOMINGTON, IN – The Indiana Hoosiers overwhelmed the Charlotte 49ers 52-14 on a warm Saturday afternoon at Memorial Stadium, giving new head coach Curt Cignetti a resounding victory and a 4-0 start heading into conference play.

Indiana’s offense fired on all cylinders, amassing 510 total yards compared to Charlotte’s 256. The Hoosiers’ balanced attack featured 288 passing yards and 222 rushing yards, keeping the 49ers’ defense on their heels throughout the contest.

Quarterback Kurtis Rourke led the aerial assault, completing 16 of 20 passes for 258 yards and a touchdown. On the ground, Indiana’s rushing attack was spearheaded by Josh Ellison, Kalib Black, and Trent Lawton, who each scored a touchdown.

Charlotte struggled to find rhythm offensively, managing just 13 first downs to Indiana’s 29. The 49ers’ lone bright spots came in the second quarter when running back CJ Stokes punched in a 13-yard touchdown run and quarterback Trexler Ivey connected with Isaiah Myers for a 25-yard scoring strike.

The Hoosiers’ defense proved stifling, forcing two fumbles and recovering one. Indiana’s special teams also contributed, with Maddox Price returning three punts for 44 yards, consistently providing good field position.

Indiana put the game out of reach in the third quarter with two unanswered touchdowns, pushing their lead to 45-14. The Hoosiers added one more score in the fourth quarter to cap off the dominant performance.

The loss drops Charlotte to 1-3 on the season. They’ll look to regroup as they hit the road next week to face Rice in their conference opener.

BOONE - In a coming-out party for new head coach Major Applewhite’s squad, the South Alabama Jaguars overwhelmed the Appalachian State Mountaineers 48-14 in their Sun Belt Conference opener on Thursday night. The game, televised on ESPN, drew a sellout crowd of 34,133 to Kidd Brewer Stadium, marking the seventh consecutive capacity attendance for App State.

South Alabama (2-2, 1-0 Sun Belt) set the tone early, scoring on their opening drive and never looking back. The Jaguars, fresh off an 87-point performance the previous week, continued their offensive onslaught, building a 28-0 lead before halftime.

App State (2-2, 0-1 Sun Belt) struggled to find rhythm, ending their nine-game winning streak in Sun Belt openers. The Mountaineers’ only first-half points came on a 47-yard Hail Mary pass from Joey Aguilar to Dalton Stroman as time expired in the second quarter.

The Jaguars’ ground game proved unstoppable, with two players surpassing the 100-yard mark - a first in App State’s history as a defensive victim. Fluff Bothwell led the charge with 116 yards and two touchdowns, while quarterback Gio Lopez added 105 yards and a score on the ground.

Photo Credit: Scott Donaldson | South Alabama Athletics

Lopez also shone through the air, completing 16 of 24 passes for 154 yards and two touchdowns. His primary target, Jamaal Pritchett, hauled in six receptions for 68 yards and a touchdown.

For App State, Aguilar threw for 266 yards and a touchdown, but also suffered a crucial interception near the goal line that resulted in a 96-yard return by South Alabama’s Jordan Scruggs. This pivotal play late in the second quarter shifted momentum decisively in the Jaguars’ favor.

Defensively, South Alabama’s Blayne Myrick led all tacklers with nine, while App State’s DJ Burks recorded a game-high and career-best 14 tackles in his first start at safety.

The loss marks App State’s most lopsided defeat to a conference opponent in a regulation game since 2017. The Mountaineers will have a few extra days to regroup before hosting Liberty on September 28th.

DURHAM – The Catawba Indians secured their first win of the season, defeating the Shaw Bears 37-28 at Durham County Memorial Stadium on Saturday. The game featured multiple lead changes and showcased offensive prowess from both teams.

First Half: Back-and-Forth Battle

Catawba struck quickly, scoring on a 14-yard run by LJ Turner just 36 seconds into the game. Shaw responded with a 12-play, 75-yard drive, capped by Travon Tensley's 2-yard touchdown run, tying the game at 7-7.

The second quarter saw both offenses hitting their stride:

- Catawba regained the lead with a 21-yard touchdown pass from Preston Brown to Deuce Linder.

- Shaw answered with two consecutive scores:

  - A 10-yard touchdown pass from Christian Peters to Jon Barnes (PAT blocked)

  - An 8-yard touchdown pass from Peters to Ah'shaan Belcher, followed by a successful two-point conversion

- Catawba tied the game at 21-21 just before halftime with a 4-yard touchdown pass from Brown to Quece Williams, concluding a impressive 90-yard drive.

Second Half: Catawba Pulls Ahead

Catawba dominated the third quarter, scoring 9 unanswered points:

- A 27-yard field goal by Bryson Sims

- A 24-yard touchdown pass from Brown to Jordan Mitchell (PAT failed)

Shaw fought back in the fourth quarter with Belcher's second touchdown reception, cutting Catawba's lead to 30-28. However, Catawba sealed the victory with another Brown-to-Linder connection, this time for a 16-yard touchdown.

Key Statistics

- Total Yards: Catawba 419, Shaw 254

- Passing Yards: Catawba 295, Shaw 115

- Rushing Yards: Shaw 139, Catawba 124

- Time of Possession: Catawba 33:45, Shaw 26:15

- Third Down Conversions: Catawba 6/11, Shaw 5/12

Standout Performances

- Catawba's Preston Brown: 24/29 for 295 yards, 4 TDs, 0 INTs

- Shaw's Travon Tensley: 20 carries for 99 yards, 1 TD

- Catawba's Deuce Linder: 7 receptions for 98 yards, 2 TDs

- Catawba's Kobe Christian: 6 receptions for 101 yards

- Shaw's Ah'shaan Belcher: 4 receptions for 51 yards, 2 TDs (became Shaw's all-time leader in touchdown receptions)

- Catawba's Deno Wardlow: 10 tackles

- Shaw's Jalen Banks: 10 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack

Notable Moments

- Shaw won the turnover battle, recovering one Catawba fumble without committing any turnovers themselves.

- Catawba's defense held Shaw to a season-low 254 yards of total offense.

- Shaw's offense was efficient in the red zone, scoring touchdowns on all four of their trips.

This victory improved Catawba's record to 1-1 for the season, while Shaw dropped to 2-1. The game showcased the offensive capabilities of both teams, with Catawba's aerial attack ultimately proving too much for Shaw's defense to contain.

Up Next

Both teams open conference play next week as Catawba will travel to UVA Wise for their SAC opener and Shaw will host Lincoln (PA) to begin CIAA play.

CHARLOTTE – The Charlotte 49ers staged a remarkable fourth-quarter comeback to edge out the Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs 27-26 at Jerry Richardson Stadium on Saturday night.

Photo Credit: Ed Conway

First Half Domination

Gardner-Webb dominated the first half, building a commanding 17-0 lead. The Runnin' Bulldogs opened the scoring with a 30-yard field goal by Jay Billingsley in the first quarter. Their defense then made a significant impact, with Trevor Moffitt returning an interception 45 yards for a touchdown. Gardner-Webb's offense continued to shine, capping off an impressive 99-yard drive with a 30-yard touchdown pass from Tyler Riddell to Anthony Lowe just before halftime.

Charlotte managed to get on the board with a 54-yard field goal by Stephen Rusnak as time expired in the second quarter, leaving the halftime score at 17-3 in favor of Gardner-Webb.

Second Half Turnaround

The third quarter saw Gardner-Webb extend their lead to 20-3 with another Billingsley field goal. Charlotte responded with a field goal of their own, making it 20-6 heading into the final quarter.

The game took a dramatic turn in the fourth quarter as Charlotte mounted an impressive comeback. The 49ers scored 21 unanswered points, beginning with an 11-yard touchdown pass from Trexler Ivey to O'Mega Blake. Ivey, who came in to replace the injured starter Deshawn Purdie, then connected with Sean Brown for another touchdown and a successful two-point conversion, tying the game at 20-20.

Charlotte's defense forced a crucial turnover, and the offense capitalized immediately with Hahsaun Wilson breaking free for a 39-yard touchdown run, giving the 49ers their first lead of the game at 27-20.

Final Minutes Drama

Gardner-Webb showed resilience, responding with a touchdown drive of their own. Carson Gresock punched in a 1-yard run to bring the Runnin' Bulldogs within one point. However, the ensuing two-point conversion attempt failed, leaving Charlotte with a narrow 27-26 lead.

The 49ers managed to recover the onside kick attempt and held on for the victory, completing their largest comeback in the program's FBS history.

Key Statistics

- Total Yards: Gardner-Webb 390, Charlotte 349

- Passing Yards: Gardner-Webb 340, Charlotte 336

- Rushing Yards: Gardner-Webb 50, Charlotte 13

- Turnovers: Gardner-Webb 3, Charlotte 3

Standout Performances

- Gardner-Webb's Tyler Riddell: 23-38 for 340 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs

- Charlotte's Trexler Ivey: 11-12 for 142 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs

- Gardner-Webb's Jaylen Bly: 8 receptions for 74 yards

- Charlotte's Hahsaun Wilson: 6 rushes for 52 yards, 1 TD

Up Next

Charlotte travels to take on the Big Ten’s Indiana while Gardner-Webb takes on Presbyterian from the Pioneer League.

ELON – In a thrilling FCS matchup, the Western Carolina Catamounts overcame a 14-3 deficit to upset the 22nd-ranked Elon Phoenix 24-17 on Saturday at Rhodes Stadium. The game was marked by a dramatic fourth-quarter surge from the Catamounts, featuring a go-ahead touchdown and a game-sealing blocked field goal return.

Game-Changing Moments

The pivotal play came with just 3:48 left in the game. Western Carolina quarterback Cole Gonzales capped a nine-play, 54-yard drive with a leaping 6-yard touchdown run, vaulting over Elon defenders to give the Catamounts their first lead at 17-14.

Elon's hopes for a comeback were dashed in the final minutes. Attempting to tie the game with a 44-yard field goal, the Phoenix instead saw their kick blocked by Western Carolina's Ken Moore Jr. The Catamounts' Jordy Lowry scooped up the loose ball and returned it for a touchdown, extending the lead to 24-14 with only 1:15 remaining.

Early Phoenix Dominance

Elon seemed in control for much of the game. They struck first when Matthew Downing connected with Chandler Brayboy for a 58-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter. The Phoenix extended their lead to 14-3 early in the third quarter when TJ Thomas Jr. broke free for a spectacular 60-yard touchdown run.

Catamounts' Comeback

Western Carolina's rally began midway through the third quarter. Branson Adams punched in a 1-yard touchdown run, narrowing the gap to 14-10. This set the stage for Gonzales' heroics in the fourth quarter.

Key Performers

- Cole Gonzales (Western Carolina): 23/36, 254 passing yards

- Branson Adams (Western Carolina): 14 carries, 81 rushing yards, 1 TD

- Calvin Jones (Western Carolina): 6 receptions, 98 yards

- Matthew Downing (Elon): 19/30, 285 passing yards, 1 TD, 1 INT

- TJ Thomas Jr. (Elon): 14 carries, 101 rushing yards, 1 TD

Game Statistics

Western Carolina narrowly outgained Elon in total yards (370-424) but won the turnover battle 2-0. The Catamounts also showed resilience on third down, converting 7 of 17 attempts compared to Elon's 2 of 11.

Up Next

Elon hosts a potent East Tennessee squad next week while Western Carolina travels out west to take on Montana.

GREENVILLE – In a back-and-forth affair that featured over 800 yards of combined offense, the App State Mountaineers outlasted the East Carolina Pirates 21-19 on Saturday at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.

App State’s quarterback, Joey Aguilar, had a stellar day, completing 32 of 47 passes for 424 yards and two touchdowns. However, his performance was not without flaws, as he threw two interceptions that kept the Pirates in contention. East Carolina’s signal-caller, Jack Garcia, held his own with 18 completions on 28 attempts for 226 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

The game began with East Carolina seizing early control. Wide receiver Wyatt Wright Jr. electrified the home crowd with a 65-yard touchdown reception from Garcia just 31 seconds into the contest. The Pirates extended their lead to 16-0 in the first quarter, capitalizing on a field goal and a 50-yard pick-six by Shavon Revel, Jr.

Facing a significant deficit, the Mountaineers rallied in the second quarter. Aguilar connected with E. Wilson for a 6-yard touchdown pass, followed by a successful two-point conversion. Kicker Michael Hughes added two field goals before halftime, narrowing the gap to 16-14.

The Mountaineers took their first lead late in the third quarter when Aguilar found Milan Jackson for a 36-yard touchdown strike. East Carolina responded with a field goal early in the fourth, but App State’s defense held firm for the remainder of the game.

Despite the loss, East Carolina’s ground game showed promise, with Rahjai Harris gaining 87 yards on 18 carries. App State’s rushing attack was less effective, managing only 81 net yards on 36 attempts.

The Mountaineers’ receiving corps had a field day, with Kaedin Robinson leading the way with 7 catches for 129 yards. Christian Horn added 5 receptions for 108 yards, while Jackson’s game-changing touchdown was part of his 6-catch, 86-yard performance.

Defensively, East Carolina linebacker Zachary Barker was a standout with 13 total tackles, including 1.5 for loss. For App State, Chandler Sullivan led the team with 9 tackles.

While slipping by on the scoreboard, the Mountaineers greatly controlled the clock, holding possession for 39 minutes compared to the Pirates’ 21 minutes.

Up Next

App State hosts South Alabama on Thursday night in Boone while East Carolina travels to take on Liberty.

WINGATE - In a game that was expected to be a high-scoring affair, Wingate’s defense proved that sometimes, the best offense is a great defense. In a stunning display of defensive prowess, the Wingate University Bulldogs reminded the college football world of the power of SAC football by defeating the 17th-ranked Delta State Statesmen 21-7 at Irwin Belk Stadium on Saturday. The victory improved Wingate’s record to 2-0, while Delta State suffered their first loss of the season, dropping to 2-1.

Wingate RB Ethan Wallace (Photo Credit: Robin Jackson)

Defense Dominates

The story of the game was Wingate’s suffocating defense, which held the high-powered Delta State offense to just 7 points—a staggering 44 points below their season average. Coming into the contest, the Statesmen were averaging over 50 points and 320 passing yards per game. However, Wingate’s defensive unit had other plans, limiting Delta State to a mere 109 passing yards and 253 total yards of offense.

Wingate’s defensive line was particularly impressive, racking up five sacks and 13 tackles for loss. Linebacker Dontorian Best led the charge with 13 tackles, including 2.5 for loss, while defensive end Marquise Fleming terrorized the Delta State backfield with 2.5 sacks and four quarterback hurries.

Offense Does Just Enough

While the defense stole the show, Wingate’s offense did enough to secure the victory. Quarterback Brooks Bentley completed 16 of 28 passes for 183 yards and a touchdown, connecting with Xavier Jackson for a 14-yard score in the first quarter to tie the game at 7-7.

The Bulldogs’ ground game, led by O’Brien Barnett and Ethan Wallace, combined for 111 yards. Barnett punched in a crucial 1-yard touchdown run late in the second quarter to give Wingate a 14-7 halftime lead.

Key Moments

Delta State struck first with a 65-yard touchdown run by quarterback Cole Kirk early in the first quarter. However, that would be the Statesmen’s only trip to the end zone for the entire game.

Wingate took control in the second quarter, capitalizing on an interception by CJ McGarity to set up their go-ahead touchdown drive. The Bulldogs extended their lead in the third quarter with a methodical 10-play, 86-yard drive, capped off by Noah Bell’s 2-yard touchdown run.

Looking Ahead

The Bulldogs will look to carry this momentum into their next game as they open South Atlantic Conference play at Carson-Newman next Saturday. 

FAYETTEVILLE – In a thrilling edition of the Two Rivers Classic, Fayetteville State University staged a dramatic last-minute comeback to defeat UNC Pembroke 35-31 on Saturday night at Luther "Nick" Jeralds Stadium. The victory gives Fayetteville State a 1-0 start to the season, while UNC Pembroke falls to 0-2.

The game was a back-and-forth affair that saw multiple lead changes throughout the contest. UNC Pembroke struck first when quarterback Tre Robinson connected with Josiah Hayes for a 5-yard touchdown pass. Fayetteville State responded with two field goals by John Hernandez-Vargas, narrowing the gap.

The Broncos took their first lead of the game on a 23-yard punt return touchdown by Theniias Moss. However, the advantage was short-lived as UNC Pembroke's D'Marcus Harrington intercepted a pass and returned it 40 yards for a touchdown, putting the Braves back in front.

UNC Pembroke extended their lead to 21-13 just before halftime when Josh Jenkins caught a 17-yard touchdown pass from Robinson. The Braves continued to build their advantage in the third quarter with a 41-yard field goal by Ty Woods, making the score 24-13.

Fayetteville State began their comeback when quarterback Demari Daniels found Emanuel Ortega-Garcia for a 15-yard touchdown pass, cutting the deficit to 24-21. Daniels then gave the Broncos the lead with a 10-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, putting Fayetteville State ahead 28-24.

The drama intensified in the final minutes. UNC Pembroke regained the lead when Colin Johnson threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to Jayden Smith, giving the Braves a 31-28 advantage with just over a minute left in the game.

However, Fayetteville State wasn't done. The Broncos put together a clutch five-play, 60-yard drive in the dying seconds. Daniels capped off the drive with an 11-yard touchdown run with just 17 seconds remaining, securing the 35-31 victory for Fayetteville State.

Daniels was the star of the game for the Broncos, finishing with 66 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground, while also throwing for 87 yards and a touchdown. His dual-threat ability kept the UNC Pembroke defense off balance throughout the contest.

Fayetteville State's defense played a crucial role in the victory, forcing four turnovers that led to 10 points. Caleb Legrand led the defensive effort with five tackles, an interception, and a fumble recovery. Theniias Moss and Solomon Barnes also contributed to the turnover battle, each recovering a fumble.

David Baros was the Broncos' leading receiver, hauling in six catches for 116 yards. For UNC Pembroke, Tre Robinson completed 13 of 24 passes for 134 yards and two touchdowns, while Josiah Hayes was the Braves' top receiver with 57 yards and a touchdown.

The victory improves Head Coach Richard Hayes' record to 2-2 in the Two Rivers Classic series. Fayetteville State will look to build on this exciting win as they move forward in their season, while UNC Pembroke will aim to regroup and secure their first victory in their next outing.