ATLANTA, GA — College football fans, get ready for a thrilling showdown in the heart of Atlanta this weekend as the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs travel south to take on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Set against the backdrop of a storied venue and packed with potential for fireworks on both sides of the ball, Saturday afternoon’s matchup promises to be one to remember.
But before the Dawgs even step onto the field against their ACC opponents, they’re already riding high after pulling off one of the most dramatic comebacks in school history. In a heart-stopping Week 1 battle, Gardner-Webb clawed their way back from a daunting 28-point second-quarter deficit to stun Western Carolina 52-45. The performance wasn’t just a win—it was a statement.
Now, with momentum on their side and a buzz surrounding their new offensive star, Gardner-Webb is ready to take on the big stage once again.
A Heroic Debut: Nate Hampton Arrives in Style
The name on everyone’s lips heading into Saturday is Nate Hampton. The transfer quarterback wasted no time making his presence felt, delivering a jaw-dropping performance that has already etched his name in Runnin’ Bulldog lore.
Trailing 35-7 midway through the second quarter against Western Carolina, it looked like the Dawgs were headed for a disappointing opening-week loss. But Hampton had other plans. With poise beyond his years and athleticism to spare, he engineered a ferocious comeback that saw Gardner-Webb rack up 45 unanswered points.
Hampton’s stat line? Incredible. The dual-threat QB passed for 263 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 132 yards and four more scores—the most rushing TDs in a single game by a Gardner-Webb player since 2009. His electrifying performance earned him both National Offensive Player of the Week and Big South/OVC Player of the Week honors. Not bad for a debut.
Weapons All Around: Lowe, Lofton, and Holmes Light It Up
While Hampton’s heroics stole the show, the offensive explosion was a full team effort. Graduate wide receiver Anthony Lowe proved to be a favorite target, catching five passes for 80 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing a deadly mix of speed and route-running precision.
Meanwhile, redshirt sophomore Chris Lofton brought the big-play element, racking up 102 yards on just three catches, providing Hampton with a deep threat that kept Western Carolina’s secondary on its heels.
Graduate running back Quasean Holmes added his own exclamation point early in the game with a lightning-fast 65-yard touchdown run—his first carry of the night. He ended the evening with 120 yards on 13 carries, helping Gardner-Webb dominate the ground game.
By the final whistle, the Runnin’ Bulldogs had amassed a jaw-dropping 627 yards of total offense, averaging seven yards per play and finishing six drives of 60 yards or more. The 52-point output was their highest since 2022, when they dropped 56 points in their season-opening rout of Limestone.
Defense Answers the Bell
While much of the spotlight was on the offense, the Gardner-Webb defense made crucial adjustments in the second half to secure the win.
Leading the charge was redshirt junior Jamari Young, who delivered an inspired performance with 11 tackles, including a sack and a tackle for loss. His effort didn’t go unnoticed, as he was named the Big South/OVC Defensive Player of the Week.
Fellow redshirt junior Sabin McLaughlin added eight tackles, with six solo stops, helping to tighten the screws defensively when it mattered most. After giving up 35 early points, the Bulldogs defense allowed just 10 in the entire second half, standing tall in key moments and helping complete the incredible comeback.
A Familiar Foe: Second All-Time Meeting with Georgia Tech
Saturday’s contest in Atlanta marks just the second-ever meeting between Gardner-Webb and Georgia Tech. The first encounter dates back to October 11, 2008, when the Yellow Jackets eked out a narrow 10-7 victory at home. This time, the Bulldogs come in hungry, battle-tested, and with a high-octane offense ready to test Georgia Tech’s defense.
Georgia Tech, a perennial force in the ACC, was picked fourth in the conference’s preseason poll and boasts several high-profile players, including running back Jamal Haynes and offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge, both named to the Preseason First Team All-ACC.
The Yellow Jackets are led by quarterback Haynes King, who nearly won ACC Preseason Player of the Year, finishing second only to Clemson’s Cade Klubnik. King opened his season in dominant fashion, rushing for 160 yards and all three of Georgia Tech’s touchdowns in a hard-fought 27-20 victory over Colorado.
Haynes, the explosive tailback, chipped in with 67 yards on 16 carries, while Bailey Stockton led the receiving corps with four receptions for 48 yards, including a strong 40 yards after the catch.
On the defensive side, Omar Daniels paced Georgia Tech with five tackles, and placekicker Aidan Birr proved reliable, connecting on both of his field goal attempts (from 32 and 43 yards out).
What’s at Stake?
For Georgia Tech, Saturday’s matchup is another step toward building a successful season in the ultra-competitive ACC. For Gardner-Webb, it’s a golden opportunity—a chance to prove they can hang with Power Five competition and that last week’s comeback wasn’t just a flash in the pan.
It’s also a key game for player development, national exposure, and confidence heading into the meat of the season. A competitive showing, or even a win, could catapult Gardner-Webb into national conversations at the FCS level.
Kickoff Details
Date: Saturday, September 7, 2025
Location: Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, GA
Time: Afternoon (Exact time TBA)
Broadcast: Check local listings or stream via official channels
Final Thoughts: Dawgs on the Rise
Gardner-Webb enters Atlanta with fire in their eyes and something to prove. With quarterback Nate Hampton showing MVP potential, a versatile and explosive offense, and a defense that has already shown it can adjust under pressure, the Bulldogs aren’t just going to Atlanta to collect a paycheck—they’re going there to compete.
The question is: Can they bring that same relentless energy and execution against an ACC power?
Only Saturday will tell, but one thing’s for sure—the eyes of the college football world will be watching.
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