5 things to know ahead of Gardner-Webb football's FCS playoff game vs. William & Mary
The underdog role is one the 2022 Gardner-Webb football team has long embraced.
"We make sure our guys have that type of mentality," said Gardner-Webb running back Narii Gaither. "Because of that, we know that whatever happens during the course of a football game, we’re going to continue to fight until there’s all zeroes on the clock."
A week after claiming the program’s first FCS playoff victory, Gardner-Webb will again be "road dogs" as it travels to William & Mary for a second round game. Kickoff is at 2 p.m. at Zable Stadium in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Gardner-Webb advanced last week with a 52-41 win at Eastern Kentucky. Gaither had 245 of the team’s 405 rushing yards in the game, along with two touchdowns. Quarterback Bailey Fisher completed 14-of-20 passes for 118 yards and a TD.
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"I told our guys in the locker room this is a special group," said Gardner-Webb coach Tre Lamb following Saturday’s game. “Those type of teams don't come along very often. I could coach another 30 years and not have a group this special. Those guys bought in. We gave them something to buy into. I've never been around a group that loves each other as much as those kids do. It's pretty remarkable."
William & Mary is ranked No. 5 in the FCS playoffs after going 10-1 overall, 7-1 in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). The Tribe have won seven in a row.
Here are a few things to keep an eye on as Gardner-Webb pursues a spot in the FCS quarterfinal round opposite Montana State or Weber State.
Battle tested
Gardner-Webb’s trip to William & Mary will be its ninth road game of the season.
The Runnin’ Bulldogs are 4-4 thus far, with wins over Charleston Southern, Campbell and Eastern Kentucky on their resume. Gardner-Webb also held second half leads at Coastal Carolina and Liberty before falling to the FBS opponents.
Nine teams on Gardner-Webb’s 2022 schedule won at least seven games this fall.
Bracing for full impact
William & Mary averages 274 rushing yards per game, with senior running back Bronson Yoder leading the way (1,061 rush yards, 10 TDs).
Expect Yoder and Gardner-Webb’s William McRainey to get acquainted Saturday, the Big South’s leading tackler with 92 tackles. A Shallotte native, he has 216 career tackles.
Good connection
Quarterback Bailey Fisher was voted Big South Offensive Player of the Year after throwing for 2,873 yards and 19 touchdowns this fall. His favorite target has been T.J. Luther, who has 62 catches for 1,134 yards and eight TDs.
The duo has helped Gardner-Webb to eight games with 400 yards or more.
Blessing of good health
Debilitating injuries have been a rarity this fall for the Gardner-Webb defense, particularly along the defensive line.
Big South Defensive Player of the Year Ty French along with Charlie Jackson and Brice Bass have started each of the Runnin’ Bulldogs’ 12 games. Janathian Turner has started in every game but Gardner-Webb's Oct. 8 game at Robert Morris.
How to watch
Gardner-Webb’s FCS second round playoff game will be live-streamed by ESPN+. The game will also be on radio courtesy of WGNC 1450 AM/101.1 FM.
This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Gardner-Webb football: What to know ahead of its FCS second round game
