CHARLESTON, S.C. — In a tightly contested matchup on Saturday, Tyler Ridell passed for 212 yards and one touchdown, while Edward Saydee added a rushing touchdown, leading Gardner-Webb to a narrow 17-14 victory over Charleston Southern.

The game came down to the last moments when Charleston Southern’s kicker, Reid Montgomery, missed a crucial 30-yard field goal attempt with just six seconds remaining, which could have tied the game. Throughout the contest, Gardner-Webb (3-6, 2-3 Big South-OVC Association) maintained the lead and never fell behind.

In a dramatic finish, the Buccaneers managed to recover an onside kick following Kaleb Jackson’s 3-yard touchdown run that brought Charleston Southern within three points at 17-14 with only 26 seconds left on the clock.

Earlier in the game, the scoring began with Jay Billingsley’s 25-yard field goal in the second quarter, followed by Saydee’s impressive 44-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter, giving Gardner-Webb a 10-0 lead. Charleston Southern (1-8, 0-6) responded midway through the second quarter with a touchdown by Tyson Greenwade, who punched it in from the 1-yard line after a fumble recovery set them up with excellent field position at the Gardner-Webb 18-yard line. The fumble was forced by Davion Williams, who sacked Ridell.

In the fourth quarter, Ridell orchestrated a methodical 13-play, 90-yard drive that took over seven minutes off the clock and culminated in a score, solidifying Gardner-Webb’s lead at 17-14.

For the Buccaneers, Jackson had a notable performance, throwing for 128 yards in addition to rushing for 23 yards and a touchdown, but it ultimately was not enough to secure a victory.