In a thrilling season opener on Saturday, The Citadel emerged victorious against Charlotte, winning 43-41 in a dramatic triple overtime contest. Gavin Garcia was the star of the game, showcasing his skills with 137 rushing yards and three touchdowns, leading the Bulldogs to a hard-fought victory after a lengthy weather delay.
The match began with a significant setback as severe weather caused a delay lasting one hour and 15 minutes. Once the game commenced, Garcia quickly made his presence felt, scoring on runs of 2 and 1 yards during regulation. His performance culminated in a pivotal 25-yard touchdown run during The Citadel's first possession in overtime, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
In addition to Garcia's impressive display, Nick Billoups contributed significantly with 38 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Sebastien Boyle added 70 yards and another score. Collectively, The Citadel's rushing attack was formidable, amassing a total of 268 yards and six touchdowns throughout the game. This powerful ground game was instrumental in their success, particularly in the overtime periods.
The game took a dramatic turn late in regulation when Charlotte managed to tie the score at 28 with just 24 seconds remaining. Quarterback Cole Gonzales connected with Jaylen Hampton for a crucial 6-yard touchdown pass, forcing the game into overtime. The excitement continued as both teams exchanged touchdowns in the first two overtime periods, with Billoups’ 2-yard run tying the score at 41 in the second overtime. However, both teams failed to convert on their two-point attempts, setting the stage for a decisive third overtime.
In the third overtime, The Citadel successfully converted their two-point attempt, taking the lead. Charlotte's Gonzales attempted to respond but saw his pass fall incomplete, sealing the Bulldogs' victory. Gonzales had a strong performance overall, throwing for 322 yards and three touchdowns, though he was also intercepted twice. His primary target, Hampton, caught eight passes for 117 yards and two touchdowns, proving to be a key player for the 49ers.
Another notable performance came from Charlotte's Khamani Alexander, who rushed for 138 yards, including an impressive 66-yard touchdown on his first carry since transferring from Appalachian State. This game marked a high-scoring affair reminiscent of their previous meeting in 2014, where The Citadel also triumphed in a double overtime thriller, winning 63-56.
Looking ahead, Charlotte will face a tough challenge as they travel to take on No. 9 Ole Miss next Saturday. Meanwhile, The Citadel will return home to host Charleston Southern, aiming to build on this exhilarating victory and continue their momentum in the early stages of the season.
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