Liberty Survives Gardner-Webb Rally, Escapes With 24-23 Home Victory (9-12-26)
By: Darrell Owens
Headline Photo Credit: Riley Smith-LMS Network
LYNCHBURG, Va. — September 12, 2026 — Liberty found itself in a fight it never expected to be in.
The Flames entered Saturday afternoon as a heavy favorite against Gardner-Webb, but the Runnin’ Bulldogs delivered one of the most competitive performances of the young season. Liberty ultimately escaped Williams Stadium with a 24-23 victory, rallying late to avoid a stunning home upset.
The win moves Liberty to 1-1 on the season, while Gardner-Webb falls to 0-3.
Gardner-Webb Refuses to Back Down
Liberty appeared ready to take control early.
Quarterback Deshawn Purdie connected with wide receiver Makai Jackson on a 65-yard touchdown strike, giving the Flames an early advantage. Liberty followed with another touchdown on the ground, building momentum in front of its home crowd.
But Gardner-Webb never folded.
The Runnin’ Bulldogs’ defense produced one of the game’s biggest plays when Sabin McLaughlin returned a Liberty fumble for a touchdown, keeping Gardner-Webb within striking distance.
Then came the play that completely changed the complexion of the game.
Deuce Young broke loose for a 65-yard touchdown run, helping Gardner-Webb surge in front. The Bulldogs entered the fourth quarter holding a 23-17 lead.
Liberty Finds the Answer
With its season hanging in the balance, Liberty needed a response.
That response came from quarterback Jaylen Henderson.
Henderson connected with Darius Copeland for a 54-yard touchdown with just 2:41 remaining, bringing the Flames level at 23-23. C. Reeves added the extra point, putting Liberty ahead 24-23.
It was the decisive score.
Gardner-Webb got one final opportunity, but the Liberty defense held firm. Cole Pennington’s final four pass attempts fell incomplete, ending the Bulldogs’ upset bid. Liberty was then able to run out the remaining clock and secure the victory.
A Gritty Performance From Gardner-Webb
Despite the loss, Gardner-Webb showed tremendous fight.
Quarterback Cole Pennington completed 16 of 38 passes for 186 yards and two interceptions, while the Bulldogs rushed for more than 100 yards. Young provided the game’s biggest rushing play with his 65-yard touchdown run.
Gardner-Webb also forced three Liberty turnovers, including two fumbles, and repeatedly put pressure on the Flames.
For a program dealing with significant coaching uncertainty entering the game, the performance was a strong showing of resilience. Interim head coach Pete Bennett had his team within one possession of an FBS upset until the final minutes.
Liberty’s Offense Comes Through Late
The Flames finished with 379 total yards, compared with 304 for Gardner-Webb.
Peyton Jones led Liberty’s rushing attack with 76 yards, while Kam Davis added 67. Jackson finished with 69 receiving yards and a touchdown, while Copeland’s lone reception became the game-winning score.
Liberty quarterback Deshawn Purdie completed 6 of 17 passes for 122 yards and a touchdown, while Henderson provided the late-game spark with two completions for 64 yards and the decisive touchdown.
The Flames weren’t perfect — they committed 11 penalties for 96 yards and lost two fumbles — but they made the plays that mattered most in the fourth quarter.
A Win Liberty Needed
Saturday’s victory was more than simply a home opener.
Liberty entered the game coming off a 20-13 loss to James Madison and was attempting to avoid an 0-2 start. The Flames ultimately accomplished that goal, but the narrow margin showed that there is plenty to clean up heading into the rest of the season.
For Gardner-Webb, the result will sting.
The Bulldogs were less than three minutes away from pulling off a major upset and earning their first victory of the season. Instead, Liberty’s late touchdown flipped the game and sent Gardner-Webb home with another heartbreaking defeat.
Final
Liberty 24, Gardner-Webb 23
Liberty survived.
Gardner-Webb proved it belonged.
And for the Flames, the victory may ultimately be remembered as a warning: the margin for error has become much smaller than expected.
