In Week 4 of the 2025 College Football season, the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs travel to Peden Stadium to play against the Ohio Bobcats. This afternoon game is set for September 20, 2025, at 3:30 PM and will be broadcast on ESPN+. The Bulldogs, currently with a 0-1 record, are looking to bounce back after a challenging start to their season.
Ohio Bobcats enter this game with a 1-2 record, having demonstrated their ability to succeed at home with a victory against West Virginia. Playing in the Mid-American Conference, the Bobcats are hoping to leverage their home-field advantage at Peden Stadium. Their performance has been a mix of highs and lows, as demonstrated by their narrow loss to Rutgers and a recent defeat by Ohio State.
The odds heavily favor Ohio, with their moneyline set at -4250 compared to Gardner-Webb’s +1700. The spread is also in favor of the Bobcats at -25.5. This game will be an opportunity for both teams to either solidify their standing or turn their season around, making it a pivotal encounter in Week 4.
Ohio vs Gardner-Webb At a Glance
- Game Date and Time: Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 3:30 PM
- Venue: Peden Stadium in Athens, OH
- TV Channel: ESPN+
- Ohio Bobcats Record: 1-2 overall, 1-0 at home
- Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs Record: 0-1 overall, 0-1 on the road
- Game Odds: Ohio Moneyline -4250, Gardner-Webb Moneyline +1700
Ohio Bobcats: A Look Ahead to Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs Showdown
Offensive Performance
Ohio’s offense has shown mixed results this season, ranking 67th in points scored with 57 points in the 2025 season so far. Their passing game has contributed 599 yards, ranking 80th, while their rushing game has added 451 yards, ranking 67th. The team’s ability to secure first downs is a strong point, with 57 first downs ranking 31st overall.
In their recent game against Ohio State, the Bobcats struggled offensively, managing only nine points. Their passing game saw 113 yards, but they were limited to just 68 rushing yards. Despite the challenges, Ohio’s offense will aim to rebound in their upcoming matchup against Gardner-Webb.
Defensive Strengths
The Ohio Bobcats’ defense has been a bright spot, particularly with their ability to apply pressure. Ranking 9th in sacks with six and 4th in interceptions with three, the defense has shown a knack for disrupting opposing offenses. However, they have allowed 81 points, ranking 65th, which indicates room for improvement in limiting opponents’ scoring opportunities.
Ohio’s defense will aim to capitalize on their strengths against Gardner-Webb, focusing on maintaining their aggressive play style. Their recent performance against Ohio State saw them recover no fumbles, a statistic they will be keen to improve upon in the upcoming game.
Key Players to Watch
Parker Navarro has been a pivotal player for the Bobcats, leading the team with 580 passing yards and five touchdowns in three games. His ability to manage the offense and find open receivers like Chase Hendricks, who has 312 receiving yards, will be crucial. On the ground, Sieh Bangura leads with 176 rushing yards, providing a balanced attack for Ohio.
Defensively, the Bobcats will rely on their top performers to continue their aggressive play. With standout performances in interceptions and sacks, Ohio’s defense will look to key players to disrupt Gardner-Webb’s offensive rhythm.
Recent Game Analysis
Ohio’s recent games have showcased both their potential and areas for improvement. They secured a 17-10 victory against West Virginia, demonstrating a strong defensive effort. However, losses to Ohio State and Rutgers highlighted challenges on both sides of the ball.
The Bobcats will look to learn from these experiences as they prepare for Gardner-Webb. Ohio’s focus will be on consistency and capitalizing on their strengths to secure a win.
Betting Trends
- As Favorite: 19-2 (90.5%) in their last 21 games.
- Home Games: 18-2 (90.0%) in their last 20 games.
- Totals ≥ 50: 16-2 (88.9%) in their last 18 games.
- After Loss: 7-0 (100.0%) in their last 7 games.
- ATS Home Games: 5-0 (100.0%) in their last 5 games.
Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs: An In-Depth Analysis for the Upcoming Game
Offensive Performance Overview
The Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs have struggled offensively in the 2025 season, scoring only 12 points and ranking 94th in the nation. Their passing game has been limited, producing 209 yards, placing them 150th. The rushing attack has been equally challenged, with only 117 yards and the same ranking as their passing performance.
Despite the overall offensive struggles, the Bulldogs have managed to achieve a respectable 20 first downs, ranking 62nd. This indicates some level of consistency in moving the chains, albeit not translating into points.
Defensive Insights
Defensively, Gardner-Webb has allowed 59 points, placing them 44th in points against. Their pass rush has yet to record a sack, which is a notable area for improvement. However, their secondary has been effective with one interception, ranking 2nd in the nation.
Although they have not recovered any fumbles, their ability to intercept the ball suggests potential in creating turnovers. This defensive element could be pivotal in changing the momentum in upcoming games.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback Nate Hampton has contributed 45 passing yards with one touchdown, which is an area that needs more consistency. Cole Pennington, another QB option, has fared better with 164 passing yards. At running back, Quasean Holmes leads with 48 rushing yards and one reception, showcasing versatility.
Wide receiver Anthony Lowe stands out with eight receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown, making him a key target. Chris Lofton also adds depth with five receptions for 56 yards. Both players will be crucial in improving Gardner-Webb’s passing attack.
Recent Game Recap
Gardner-Webb’s recent game resulted in a 12-59 loss against Georgia Tech. Despite the loss, the team managed to secure 20 first downs, matching Georgia Tech closely. However, the Yellow Jackets dominated the passing game with 457 yards compared to Gardner-Webb’s 209.
The Bulldogs also fell short in the rushing department, gaining 117 yards to Georgia Tech’s 223. Turnovers were minimal, with Gardner-Webb committing one fumble and no interceptions, reflecting a clean but ineffective offensive effort.
Betting Trends
- ATS – All Games: Last 8 Games (2022–2025) → 6-2 (75.0%)
- ATS – As Underdog: Last 8 Games (2022–2025) → 6-2 (75.0%)
- ATS – Away Games: Last 8 Games (2022–2025) → 6-2 (75.0%)
- ATS – After Loss: Last 8 Games (2022–2025) → 6-2 (75.0%)
- ATS – Totals ≥ 50: Last 7 Games (2022–2025) → 5-2 (71.4%)
- O/U – All Games: Last 3 Games (2024–2025) → 2-1 (66.7%)
- O/U – As Underdog: Last 3 Games (2024–2025) → 2-1 (66.7%)
- O/U – Away Games: Last 3 Games (2024–2025) → 2-1 (66.7%)
- O/U – After Loss: Last 3 Games (2024–2025) → 2-1 (66.7%)
- O/U – Totals ≥ 50: Last 4 Games (2023–2025) → 2-2 (50.0%)
Ohio vs Gardner-Webb Prediction: Over 51.5
The Ohio Bobcats have displayed offensive potential this season, scoring a total of 57 points across three games. Despite their recent loss to Ohio State, the Bobcats should find more success against a non-conference team like Gardner-Webb. With Ohio playing at home, their offensive performance could be stronger, particularly given their track record of success in home games.
Gardner-Webb’s defense has shown vulnerabilities, conceding 59 points in their only game this season. This could present Ohio with ample opportunities to score. Furthermore, Ohio’s defense, which has allowed 81 points this season, might also concede points, contributing to a higher total score.
Both teams have shown tendencies to participate in high-scoring games, and with the over/under set at 51.5, this game has the potential to surpass that total. Ohio’s tendency to perform well after losses and its offensive capabilities should lead to a high-scoring encounter.
Based on the offensive and defensive stats of both teams, the projected final score supports the over pick, with Ohio winning comfortably. The Bobcats are expected to rebound offensively, and Gardner-Webb may manage to add some points as well.
- Ohio vs Gardner-Webb Prediction: Over 51.5
- Ohio vs Gardner-Webb Score: Ohio 42 – Gardner-Webb 14
