#image_title
0
0
ORANGEBURG, S.C. — Wofford football opens its 2025 season Saturday night in Orangeburg, where the Terriers will take on defending MEAC champion South Carolina State. For head coach Shawn Watson, now in his third year at the helm, this game is more than an opener — it is an opportunity to prove that Wofford’s rebuild is ready to deliver results.
Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium, with a spirited Faculty & Staff Appreciation Day crowd expected to provide a lively backdrop.
A Tale of Two Programs
Though rare, the matchup between Wofford and South Carolina State carries history. The Terriers hold a 5–2 lead in the all-time series, with memorable wins in the early 2000s when Wofford was emerging as a Southern Conference power. A gritty 7–6 road win in 2002 and a 35–13 triumph in 2003 highlighted that run. But the Bulldogs claimed the most recent meeting in 2019, pulling away for a 28–13 win at Dawson Stadium.
Wofford enters this season eager to reclaim its competitive edge. Once a perennial SoCon contender under longtime coach Mike Ayers, the Terriers have endured tough years, including a 2–9 finish in 2023. Watson’s first two seasons brought growing pains but also flashes of progress, and now the expectation is clear: winning football must return to Spartanburg.
South Carolina State, meanwhile, has long been one of the most consistent programs in the MEAC. With 19 conference championships and a 2024 Celebration Bowl appearance, the Bulldogs are once again positioned to be a force under head coach Chennis Berry.
Quarterback Picture Still Unsettled
Watson has not yet named a starting quarterback, leaving the battle open between veterans Jayden Whitaker, J.T. Fayard, and freshman Ethan Drumm. While the uncertainty may stretch into game week, what is certain is that the position must stabilize if the Terriers are to rise in the SoCon.
Whoever earns the start will not have to do it alone. Ihson Jackson-Anderson anchors the ground game with his physical running style, while wideout Cam Smith offers speed and separation that can stretch defenses. Together, they provide a foundation for the offense to lean on as the quarterback settles in.
Youth Movement Meets Veteran Presence
Watson’s roster this year reflects a program investing in young talent. Freshman receiver Anjuan Coleman Jr. emerged as one of the surprises of preseason camp, flashing the kind of athleticism that earns early opportunities. On defense, underclassmen in the secondary are expected to see meaningful snaps, underscoring Watson’s belief in building through recruiting.
That youth is balanced by proven leaders. Safety C.J. Coombes, a transfer from Tulsa, wasted no time establishing himself as one of the Terriers’ best players last season. His 88 tackles and FCS Freshman All-American honors made him a fixture in the secondary. Entering 2025 on the Buck Buchanan Award watch list, Coombes now serves as both playmaker and leader for a defense still building depth.
The Bulldogs’ Physical Edge
If Wofford is to win in Orangeburg, it must match South Carolina State’s physicality. The Bulldogs’ defense is anchored by linebacker Aaron Smith, a preseason All-American who recorded 95 tackles in 2024. Smith’s ability to diagnose plays and disrupt both the run and pass game makes him one of the most dangerous defenders in the FCS.
The Bulldogs’ offense, though less heralded, has thrived on balance. They can wear down opponents with a punishing run game and then exploit openings downfield. At home, in front of one of the MEAC’s most loyal fan bases, they rarely beat themselves.
Matchups to Watch
Wofford Offensive Line vs. SC State Front Seven
The Terriers’ offensive line faces one of its toughest assignments right out of the gate. South Carolina State thrives on winning at the line, and if Wofford can’t create space for Jackson-Anderson, the Bulldogs will dictate tempo. But if the Terriers establish the run early, it opens play-action opportunities and takes pressure off the quarterback.
Wofford Secondary vs. Bulldog Receivers
The Terriers’ secondary, led by Coombes and supported by underclassmen, will be tested against a unit that takes advantage when defenses overcommit to stopping the run. Limiting explosive plays and tackling soundly after the catch will be crucial to keeping SC State from building momentum.
Quarterback vs. Bulldog Pressure
Whoever earns the start at quarterback will immediately face heavy blitz looks and disguised coverages. South Carolina State has a reputation for rattling inexperienced passers, so the Terriers’ QB must stay poised, get the ball out quickly, and avoid turnovers that swing field position.
Paving the Way to Victory
For Wofford, the blueprint for success is clear, though not easy. It begins under center. With no starter named, the Terriers need whoever takes the reins to play mistake-free football. This doesn’t mean lighting up the scoreboard, but rather managing the offense, keeping drives alive, and protecting the ball. In an environment like Dawson Stadium, turnovers can quickly turn a close game into a long night.
The second piece lies in the trenches. Wofford’s offensive line must assert itself against a Bulldog front seven that feeds off disruption. If Jackson-Anderson can get going on the ground, it forces SC State to respect the run and opens the door for Smith and Coleman on the perimeter. Offensive balance will keep the Bulldogs guessing and prevent them from stacking the box.
Neutralizing Aaron Smith will be another decisive factor. He has the speed and instincts to blow up plays before they start, and Wofford must game plan around him. Expect the Terriers to use misdirection, quick passes, and double-teams to keep him from controlling the flow of the game. If Smith is allowed to roam freely, the Bulldogs’ defense will dominate.
On defense, Wofford’s discipline will be tested. South Carolina State thrives on grinding out drives and capitalizing on defensive mistakes. Coombes’ leadership in the secondary is vital, but it will be up to the front seven to hold their ground on first and second down. Forcing the Bulldogs into third-and-long will put pressure back on their offense and give Wofford chances to flip momentum.
Finally, special teams cannot be overlooked. Road games often swing on hidden yards — a missed assignment on coverage, a costly penalty, or a poor punt can tilt the field. Wofford must stay sharp in this phase and avoid giving SC State free opportunities.
Taken together, these keys form the path to victory. The Terriers don’t need to play perfect football, but they must play smart, physical, and disciplined. If they do, the chance to walk out of Orangeburg with a season-opening statement win is very real.
Stakes Are Clear
For South Carolina State, Saturday is about building on a championship standard. For Wofford, it is about re-establishing itself as a winning program and proving that the climb back to relevance is no longer theoretical.
The Terriers aren’t coming to Orangeburg for moral victories or measuring sticks. They are coming to win. And if they do, the ripple will be felt not just in Spartanburg, but across the entire Southern Conference.
About the Author
