Ohio vs. Gardner-Webb prediction and game preview. Projecting who will win when the Bobcats host the Bulldogs of the FCS.

Ohio vs. Gardner-Webb Game Preview

When: Saturday, Sept. 24 – 2 p.m. ET

Where: Peden Stadium, Athens, Ohio.

TV Broadcast: ESPN3

Ohio enters with a 1-2 record, but last week’s effort against Tennessee marked its best despite the defeat. The Bobcats trailed by just two heading into the fourth quarter before falling 28-19, mainly because the offense failed to finish drives in the end zone. Louie Zervos hit field goals from 38, 29 and 30 yards twice.

The Bobcats will work on that this week against a Gardner-Webb team entering as a heavy underdog. The Bulldogs of the FCS are coming off back-to-back losses, during which they’ve allowed a combined 1,121 yards of total offense. 

What To Know About Ohio

Quarterback Greg Windham has thrown six touchdown passes but also is the Bobcats’ leading rusher, averaging 6.7 yards per carry. He spreads the ball around in the passing game as three receivers have at least 11 catches. Jordan Reid has caught three touchdowns. 

What to Know About Gardner-Webb

Tyrell Maxwell is in the mold of Windham and is used heavily in the running game. He’s been credited with 51 rushing attempts and has two touchdowns while completing 51.6 percent of his 64 throws. Running back Khalil Lewis gets the most touches and has rushed for five touchdowns, but the Bulldogs are going to need to put up a lot of points if the defense plays poorly again.

Advantages

Offense: Ohio – Far more weapons than Gardner-Webb.

Defense: Ohio – The Bulldogs allowed 419 rushing yards last week against the Citadel. Yikes.

Special Teams: Ohio – Zervos has hit 13 of 14 field-goal attempts.

Coaching: Ohio – Frank Solich shouldn’t have a problem devising a game plan to win this one.

Intangibles: Ohio – After facing Tennessee, this game should be easy. 

Matchup To Watch

Running games vs. Defenses