Stan Doolittle throws for 301 yards as Gardner-Webb holds on to defeat VMI 27-23

Gardner-Webb defeats VMI 27-23

LEXINGTON, Va. — Stan Doolittle threw for 301 yards and one touchdown to lead Gardner-Webb past Virginia Military Institute 27-23 on Saturday.

The Runnin’ Bulldogs (3-1, 1-0 Big South Conference) took a 27-23 lead on a 3-yard touchdown run by Patrick Hall with 8:33 left to play.

The Keydets (1-3, 0-1) then started a rally when Greg Walker blocked Graham Purvis’ punt, taking over possession on the Gardner-Webb 29-yard line.

VMI moved the ball to the 9-yard line, but threw four straight incompletions.

The Runnin’ Bulldogs, who came into the game with a plus-9 turnover margin, forced three VMI fumbles and had an interception.

Gardner-Webb had 416 yards of offense compared to 296 by VMI.

Phillip Peoples rushed for 70 yards on 12 carries for Gardner-Webb.

Kyle Hughes was 5-for-16 passing with 72 yards and a touchdown for the Keydets.