The Citadel defeats Charlotte 43-41 in a triple overtime football game
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 6, 2026, 1:00 AM
Last updated Sep 6, 2026
The Citadel defeated Charlotte 43-41 in a triple overtime season opener Saturday in Charlotte, N.C. The game began following a 75-minute delay due to severe weather. Gavin Garcia led the Bulldogs with 137 rushing yards and three touchdowns, contributing to a team total of 268 yards on the ground. Charlotte quarterback Cole Gonzales threw for 322 yards and three touchdowns but was intercepted twice, including a late score by Jaylen Hampton that forced overtime. After both teams traded touchdowns through two overtime periods, the Bulldogs converted a two-point attempt in the third, while Charlotte failed on its final opportunity. The Citadel now prepares to host Charleston Southern, while Charlotte travels to face No. 9 Ole Miss next Saturday.
- •Gavin Garcia rushed for 137 yards and three touchdowns for The Citadel.
- •The Citadel outrushed Charlotte with 268 total yards and six touchdowns.
- •Cole Gonzales threw for 322 yards and three touchdowns in the losing effort.
- •The game featured a 75-minute delay due to weather conditions.
- 1:00 AMYahoo Sports — Gavin Garcia rushes for 3 TDs to lead The Citadel past Charlotte 43-41 in 3OT
"Gavin Garcia rushed for 137 yards and three touchdowns as The Citadel beat Charlotte 43-41 in triple overtime on Saturday in the 49ers’ season opener, following a 1-hour and 15-minute delay due to severe weather. Garcia scored on runs of 2 and 1 yards in regulation before breaking a 25-yard touchdown run on the Bulldogs' first overtime possession. Nick Billoups added 38 yards and two touchdowns, and Sebastien Boyle had 70 yards and a score as the Bulldogs rushed for 268 yards and six touchdowns combined.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NFL•Oct 29, 2026, 6:12 PM2026 NFL trade deadline tracker: Grading every deal, top available candidates
NFL•Oct 29, 2026, 6:10 PMWhat’s going through Daniel Jones’ mind as Colts execute trade fire sale
NFL•Oct 29, 2026, 6:09 PMNFL Week 3 expert picks for Packers vs. Falcons on TNF
NFL•Oct 29, 2026, 6:06 PMCommanders WR Antonio Williams Is a Sneaky Week 8 Fantasy Sleeper- NFL•Oct 29, 2026, 5:39 PMQuenton Nelson, Colts were close to a contract extension in the offseason, per report
NFL•Oct 29, 2026, 5:20 PMWho won Jeffery Simmons trade? Grading Bears, Titans in blockbuster deal