SPARTANBURG, S.C. (Interstat) — In a game defined by defensive touchdowns and a cascade of turnovers, the Wofford Terriers capitalized on a series of Samford miscues to secure a 26-16 victory on Saturday at Gibbs Stadium.

The Terriers’ defense outscored their offense, returning two interceptions for touchdowns to overcome an early deficit and snap a two-game skid. Wofford improved to 3-6 on the season, while Samford’s struggles continued, dropping the Bulldogs to 1-8.

The contest turned decisively in the first quarter. After Samford quarterback Charlie Gilliam engineered an impressive opening drive, capped by a 2-yard touchdown pass to Calvin Jones, the Bulldogs’ momentum evaporated in a span of less than two minutes.

On Samford’s next possession, Gilliam’s pass was intercepted by Wofford defensive back Maximus Pulley, who returned it 25 yards for a touchdown. On the very next play from scrimmage, Gilliam was picked off again, this time by Pulley at the Samford 20-yard line. The Terriers’ offense capitalized on the short field, with Gerald Modest Jr. plunging in for a 5-yard touchdown run to give Wofford a 14-10 lead.

Samford managed to close the quarter with a 23-yard field goal from Jake Garner, but the damage from the turnovers was done.

The defensive showcase continued into the third quarter. After a stalled Wofford drive, Gilliam’s first pass of the second half was intercepted by Terriers defensive back Eli Campbell, who raced 42 yards for a touchdown, extending Wofford’s lead to 21-10.

Samford responded by inserting quarterback Quincy Crittendon, who provided an immediate spark. Crittendon connected with Jones on a 48-yard deep ball to set up a second Garner field goal, this time from 25 yards, trimming the deficit to 21-13. Another Garner field goal, a 30-yarder later in the quarter, brought the Bulldogs to within 21-16.

The Terriers, however, answered with a safety when Samford’s Brandon Maina was tackled in the end zone, pushing the lead to 23-16. Wofford then put together one of its most sustained offensive drives, culminating in a 25-yard field goal from Sam Spence early in the fourth quarter to seal the 26-16 final.

The Wofford defense was the story of the day, intercepting four passes. Pulley’s two first-quarter picks, including the pick-six, set the tone, while Campbell’s third-quarter return for a score provided critical separation. Linebacker Kade Moledor also recorded an interception.

Offensively, the Terriers were led by their ground game. Ihson Jackson-Anderson rushed for 85 yards on 16 carries, with his 23-yard burst in the fourth quarter helping to drain the clock. Modest added 55 rushing yards and a touchdown. Quarterback J.T. Fayard struggled through the air, completing 14 of 24 passes for 80 yards with one interception.

For Samford, the quarterback combination of Gilliam and Crittendon produced yardage but was undermined by the turnovers. Gilliam finished 15 of 25 for 113 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions before being relieved. Crittendon was efficient in relief, completing 19 of 25 passes for 219 yards, but the Bulldogs could not overcome the early deficit.

Wide receiver Calvin Jones was a bright spot for the Bulldogs, hauling in nine receptions for 126 yards and a touchdown. Sam Pickett III added seven catches for 63 yards.

The game’s outcome defied the pregame projections. Interstat’s game simulator had projected a higher-scoring affair with Wofford winning 36-30, and its ELO system gave the Terriers a 74.7% probability to win. Samford had been installed as a 10.5-point underdog, and the total score of 42 points fell under the over/under line of 46.5.

Wofford looks to build on the win when it travels to face the Virginia Military Institute on Nov. 8. Samford returns home the same day to host East Tennessee State.