Gardner-Webb football ends tumultuous week with loss at Wofford. What's next?

SPARTANBURG — Gardner-Webb football’s bid for its first win of the season fell just short Saturday, Sept. 5 at Wofford, as a late interception allowed the Terriers to escape with a 17-13 victory at Gibbs Stadium in Spartanburg.

The Runnin’ Bulldogs appeared to have taken the lead a play earlier with quarterback Cole Pennington connecting with wideout Kory Jones for the go-ahead touchdown. However, Jones was flagged for offensive pass interference. Pennington was intercepted on the following play.

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The loss capped a tumultuous week for the Gardner-Webb football program, one which saw former head coach Kris McCullough fired for unspecified reasons. His tenure lasted one game, a 35-17 setback at Austin Peay on Aug. 27.

Much like this past week, the game started with a gut-punch to GWU. Wofford’s Ivory Aikens returned the opening kickoff 97-yards for a touchdown. 

“As a special teams coach, it hurts to give up a touchdown on the opening kickoff,” said Gardner-Webb interim coach Pete Bennett. “That’s on me. I take ownership of it. I could not be more proud of our team though.”

Pennington finished 31-of-54 for 378 yards and an interception. Jones had six receptions for 135 yards, Giovianni Adopte added seven catches for 70 yards, while Jalile Bost contributed four receptions for 60 yards.

Bennett did credit the team’s resolve, noting its defense allowed Wofford 10 points while the Runnin’ Bulldog offense moved more effectively in the second half.

“I told the team they deserved to win this game, but life does not always give you what you deserve,” Bennett said. “You are only given what you earn, and we didn’t quite do enough to earn it this week. 

“Our goal is still to be OVC champions and that’s still within our sights, as well as a playoff bid. We just have to get better week to week.”

The Gardner-Webb athletic director also discussed the school’s vacant head coaching position. 

According to Brendan Fahey, its search for a new football coach will not take place during the 2026 campaign. Though making no assurances, he touted the GWU interim coach’s resume and track record, both as “a great man and a great coach.”

 “Right now, (Bennett) is our head coach and he has 100% of my support,” he said. “We will evaluate where we are at the end of the season, like we do with all of our programs and make a decision. But right now, we couldn’t be happier with Pete Bennett as our head coach.”

Gardner-Webb returns to action Saturday, Sept. 12 when it travels to Lynchburg, Virginia, to play Liberty. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.

This article originally appeared on The Shelby Star: Gardner-Webb football ends tumultuous week with loss at Wofford. What’s next?