Gardner-Webb Headed to Eastern Kentucky to Begin 2022 FCS Playoffs

Runnin’ Bulldogs Captured an Automatic Bid After Defeating A&T on Nov. 19

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb will play its first Division I FCS Playoff game on Saturday, Nov. 26, at Eastern Kentucky, with kickoff set for 5 p.m.

The matchup was announced Sunday, Nov. 20, as part of the 2022 FCS Playoffs bracket, with the winner of the GWU-EKU game heading to face No. 5 seed William & Mary on Dec. 3 in Williamsburg, Va.

Tickets for Saturday’s game at CG Bank FIeld at Roy Kidd Stadium are available here.

Gardner-Webb (6-5, 5-0 Big South) captured an automatic bid to the playoffs after putting away North Carolina A&T by three touchdowns in Saturday’s regular season finale. GWU churned out 240 yards on the ground against the nation’s No. 6 defensive unit and totaled 401 yards overall. Narii Gaither and Jayden Brown each scored twice in the win.

Eastern Kentucky (7-4, 3-2 A-Sun) won the Atlantic Sun’s automatic bid, picking up wins over Kennesaw State and Central Arkansas in the final three weeks of the season. The Colonels had a non-conference win over No. 15 Southeast Missouri State in late October and picked up an early season win over FBS Bowling Green in a wild 59-57 game that lasted seven overtimes.

The Runnin’ Bulldogs have never met Eastern Kentucky on the gridiron.

Saturday’s game will stream live on ESPN+ and will air live on WGNC Radio 1450 AM / 101.1 FM with Dave Friedman and Reginald Walker, Jr. (TuneIn Radio App).

Bulldog Dialogue: Episode 11 – Coach Tre Lamb, RB Narii Gaither and QB Bailey Fisher Reflect on the Season

On Bulldog Dialogue: Episode 11, GWU President William Downs sits down with Head Football Coach Tre Lamb, RB Narii Gaither, and QB Bailey Fisher to reflect on the season, the Big South Championship game, and a scouting report for Eastern Kentucky, the first-round playoff opponent.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to six professional schools, 14 academic departments, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.