SPARTANBURG, S.C. (Interstat) — In a Southern Conference matchup that defied preseason projections and recent form, the Wofford Terriers delivered a commanding performance to defeat the Furman Paladins 31 to 13 on Saturday at Gibbs Stadium.

Entering the game with just one win against five losses, Wofford played with a level of efficiency and opportunism that had eluded them for much of the season. The Terriers’ defense forced three critical interceptions, returning one for a touchdown, while the offense capitalized on its chances to secure a decisive victory. The loss dropped Furman to 4-2 on the season, halting their momentum after a promising start.

The game’s outcome stood in stark contrast to the pregame analytics. Despite being installed as a slim 1.5-point favorite, Wofford’s victory was more decisive than expected, and the combined score of 44 points narrowly surpassed the over/under line of 42.5. Interstat’s ELO system had given Furman a 64.3 percent probability to win, a forecast the Terriers rendered irrelevant by the final whistle.

Wofford set the tone on its opening possession, orchestrating a methodical 85-yard drive that consumed over six minutes of the first quarter. The drive was a balanced attack, featuring key runs from Ihson Jackson-Anderson and a 21-yard scamper by the diminutive Ivory Aikens. It was capped by a 29-yard touchdown pass from quarterback J.T. Fayard to Colby Alexander, giving the Terriers an early 7 to 0 lead.

Furman responded in the second quarter with a drive of its own, showcasing the connection between quarterback Trey Hedden and his top targets. Hedden completed passes to Kerry King for 16 and 18 yards, and running back Gavin Hall broke off a 15-yard run to set up first-and-goal. Hedden then found Devin Hester Jr. for a 10-yard touchdown strike, tying the game at 7.

The tie was short-lived. Wofford answered with another sustained drive, culminating in a 23-yard touchdown pass from Fayard to Terrance Honeywood, pushing the Terriers back in front, 14 to 7. Just before halftime, Wofford delivered a devastating blow. A Furman penalty for illegal use of hands on a third-down incompletion gave the Terriers a fresh set of downs deep in Paladin territory. With time expiring in the half, Jackson-Anderson powered in from one yard out, sending Wofford into the locker room with a 21 to 7 advantage.

Furman emerged from halftime with a renewed sense of urgency. Their first drive of the third quarter was a masterclass in ball control, relying heavily on the ground game. Gavin Hall carried the load, eventually plunging into the end zone from four yards out to cut the Wofford lead to 21 to 13.

Any hope of a Furman comeback, however, was extinguished early in the fourth quarter. Driving near midfield and looking to tie the game, Hedden’s pass was intercepted by Wofford’s Javario Tinch, who returned it for a touchdown. The pick-six stretched Wofford’s lead to 28 to 13 and effectively sealed the game. The Terriers added a 42-yard field goal from Sam Spence later in the quarter for the final margin of 31 to 13.

Statistically, the game was a tale of two quarterbacks and two defenses. Furman’s Trey Hedden put up respectable numbers, completing 27 of 39 passes for 257 yards and one touchdown. However, his three interceptions, including the critical pick-six, proved insurmountable. His primary target was Devin Hester Jr., who caught six passes for 82 yards and a score. Gavin Hall was a workhorse for the Paladins, rushing for 61 yards and a touchdown while also hauling in seven receptions for 49 yards.

For Wofford, J.T. Fayard was the model of efficiency, completing 18 of 25 passes for 179 yards and two touchdowns with no turnovers. His favorite receiver was Isaiah Scott, who caught seven passes for 91 yards. On the ground, the Terriers employed a committee approach, with Ihson Jackson-Anderson rushing for 75 yards and a touchdown, and Gerald Modest adding 51 yards. The Wofford defense was the true star, with interceptions by Tinch, Cole Walker, and Logan McCloud.

The win provides a significant boost for Wofford, which now stands at 1-5. They will look to build on this performance next Saturday when they travel to face East Tennessee State. For Furman, the loss is a setback in their conference campaign. The Paladins will aim to rebound at home next Saturday against The Citadel.