Liberty vs Gardner-Webb came down to a 54-yard strike from Jaylen Henderson to Darius Copeland with 2:34 remaining, giving the Flames a 24-23 win on Saturday in Lynchburg, Virginia. It marked Liberty’s first victory since Nov. 1, 2025.
The kickoff was moved from 6 p.m. ET to noon because of what officials described as a threat of inclement weather in the area.
Liberty (1-1) fell behind 23-17 after Gardner-Webb put up 20 unanswered points and kept the Flames off the scoreboard in the third quarter.
Henderson entered late and completed 2 of 4 passes for 64 yards, including the go-ahead touchdown to Copeland. It was Copeland’s only reception of the game.
Deshawn Purdie threw for 122 yards and started Liberty’s scoring with a 65-yard touchdown pass to Makai Jackson. Jaylon Coleman added a 20-yard rushing score, staking the Flames to a 14-3 lead after the first quarter.
Gardner-Webb (0-3) roared back behind Sabin McLaughlin’s 35-yard fumble return for a touchdown and a 65-yard touchdown run by Randy Young to move ahead 20-14.
Young finished with 75 yards on four carries. Tyler Simpson converted field goals from 41, 35 and 27 yards for the Runnin’ Bulldogs.
Liberty vs Gardner-Webb: What’s next
Liberty hosts Ball State on Sept. 19. Gardner-Webb welcomes NC Central on Sept. 19.
Fans tracking early-season matchups may also be eyeing other contests such as Week 1 college football picks: Best bets and model plays.
For more information on Liberty’s athletics programs and schedules, visit the official Liberty Flames site.
Details on Gardner-Webb’s upcoming opponents and results can be found through the Gardner-Webb athletics website.
