Gardner-Webb blocks kick, Blount rushes for TD in overtime in a 38-37 win against Akron

Gardner-Webb beats Akron 38-37 in overtime

AKRON, Ohio — Gardner-Webb blocked an extra point and Juanne Blount scored on a 4-yard run in overtime to beat Akron 38-37 on Saturday.

The Bulldogs (2-0) trailed 31-17 after Akron’s Igor Ivelijic made a 48-yard field goal with 2:36 left in the third quarter. James Perry III, who finished with 125 yards receiving on 10 catches, caught touchdown passes of 4 and 13 yards from Chandler Browning to tie the game at 31-31.

In overtime, the Zips (0-2) pulled ahead 37-31 on a 9-yard touchdown run by Alex Allen. He finished with 110 yards rushing on 20 carries, including two more touchdowns.

But Ivelijic’s extra point was blocked by Gardner-Webb, which answered with Blount’s 4-yard run and Ryan Gates’ extra point to give the Bulldogs the win.

Browning completed 18 of 28 passes for 207 yards for Gardner-Webb.

Nate Burney led Akron with 119 yards rushing on 17 carries.