CSU put together complete performance in 20-7 win over Gardner-Webb

Charleston Southern utilized another strong performance from Jack Chambers and a two-interception day from Jarrod Stanley as the Buccaneers topped visiting Gardner-Webb on Saturday afternoon at Buccaneer Field, 20-7.

The Bucs (2-2, 2-2 Big South) closed out the 2021 spring season on a high note as the Buccaneers moved back to .500 on the shortened season in the finale. CSU racked up 389 yards of total offense and seized control of the game early in taking their fourth consecutive win in the series.

Gardner-Webb (2-2, 0-2 Big South) fought its way back into the contest utilizing key special teams play to pin the Buccaneers deep inside CSU territory on numerous occasions. However, the Bucs defense held GWU to just 5-of-15 on third down conversion opportunities and stuffed both Runnin’ Bulldog fourth-down chances in securing the win.

Chambers paced the Bucs with a 23-of-35 day through the air for 242 yards and three touchdown passes. Geoffrey Wall (10 catches, 73 yards, one touchdown) and Cayden Jordan (seven catches, 127 yards, two touchdowns) were Chambers’ primary targets on the day, while Till Garvin added a career-high three catches in the win.

Chambers (71 yards) and Jamari Dunbar (17 carries, 56 yards) paced the Bucs’ rushing efforts of the game as CSU topped 100 yards for the second consecutive weekend. Terrence Wilson added 21 yards on seven touches.

Carlton Aiken was 11-of-19 for 109 yards through the air for the Runnin’ Bulldogs with Izaiah Gathings (five catches, 48 yards) his favorite target. Narii Gaither added 51 rushing yards on the game for the Runnin’ Bulldogs offense.

Cody Cline wrapped up a strong spring campaign with a game-high 12 tackles, while adding his second interception of the spring. Jarrod Stanley added his first two-interception game of his career, while Anton Williams picked up the Bucs’ lone sack of the day. Jerome Rice and Williams both recorded two tackles for loss.

A.J. Thomas and William McRainey paced Gardner-Webb with nine tackles apiece in the game, while Thomas added an athletic interception and 56-yard return to swing the momentum to the Runnin’ Bulldogs in the second quarter. Tray Denson led the team with two tackles for loss.