CONWAY, S.C. — Lorenzo Taliaferro scored three touchdowns on 144 yards rushing and Coastal Carolina ran away from Gardner-Webb for a 42-7 win in the conference opener for both schools on Saturday night.

Mistakes hurt Gardner-Webb (4-3, 0-1 Big South Conference), as a muffed punt return was recovered by the Chanticleers (6-0, 1-0) and led to a 4-yard touchdown run from Taliaferro for the first score of the game. Quinn Backus later added a 73-yard interception return for a touchdown as Coastal Carolina jumped to an early 14-0 first-quarter lead.

The Runnin' Bulldogs lone score came on a 3-yard touchdown run from Juanne Blount to close the gap to 14-7, but the Chanticleers responded by reeling off 28 unanswered points.

Gardner-Webb produced 380 yards of total offense, but was hindered by turnovers with three interceptions and a fumble lost.

Kenny Cook had seven receptions for 100 yards to lead Gardner-Webb.