Gardner-Webb tops E Kentucky 52-41 for 1st FCS playoff win

RICHMOND, Ky. (AP) — Narii Gaither rushed for a career-high 245 yards and two touchdowns, quarterback Bailey Fisher ran for three more and Gardner-Webb made its first-ever FCS playoff appearance memorable with a 52-41 win over Eastern Kentucky. The Runnin’ Bulldogs led 31-27 at half and took the game over in the third quarter when Fisher hit T.J. Luther for a 12-yard touchdown pass and ran in from 12 and 16 yards for a 52-27 lead. Eastern Kentucky had a chance to mount a comeback as Parker McKinney threw his fourth touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter but on the next possession was picked off in the end zone. His fifth touchdown pass came with 1:02 to play and Gardner-Webb recovered the on-side kick. Parker finished 37 of 57 for a career-high 454 yards