Wofford Holds Off Furman in Close Contest
Greenview, S.C. — The Wofford Terriers achieved a hard-fought victory over the Furman Paladins, winning 19-13 Saturday afternoon. This Southern Conference clash took place on Wofford’s home turf, marking an important milestone in the long-standing rivalry.
A Key Performance
Wofford’s running back Ryan Ingram was instrumental in the team’s success, rushing for 120 yards and scoring a critical 1-yard touchdown in the third quarter. This touchdown allowed Wofford to take a nine-point lead, setting the stage for a tense finish to the game. The Terriers showcased their offensive prowess with a season-high 385 yards of total offense, complemented by a stingy defense that amassed 13 tackles for loss, severely limiting Furman’s rushing game to just 55 yards.
A Battle of Field Goals
The first half was marked by a field goal battle. Wofford took the lead late in the second quarter when Devery Cagle connected on a 29-yard field goal with just 1:06 remaining before halftime, making the score 10-7. Furman quickly responded with a 60-yard scoring drive, culminating in a 39-yard field goal to tie the game.
As the second half commenced, Cagle added another field goal, this time from 38 yards, giving Wofford a 13-10 lead. The game’s scoring was rounded off by Ian Williams, who kicked a 41-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, extending Wofford’s lead to 19-10.
Furman’s Challenge
Despite occasional glimmers of hope, the Paladins struggled offensively. Quarterback Carson Jones managed to pass for 229 yards, but the team faced significant hurdles, including failing to convert several key plays. In the final moments, Furman attempted to regain the lead but fell short, turning the ball over on downs with just 18 seconds left on their 27-yard line.
Historical Context
This matchup was significant, marking the 98th meeting between the two teams, a rivalry that dates back to 1889, the very first college football game played in South Carolina. With this victory, Wofford has secured back-to-back wins against Furman, a feat not accomplished since 2017.
Looking Ahead
With the win, Wofford improved their season record to 5-5, while Furman fell to 2-7. As the season progresses, both teams will be looking to build momentum, but Wofford’s hard-earned victory over their rivals will undoubtedly boost their confidence moving forward.
