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SPARTANBURG, S.C. (AP) — Wofford football returns home Saturday for Week 2, looking to rebound from a narrow 16–15 loss at South Carolina State. The Terriers host the Richmond Spiders at Gibbs Stadium, with kickoff at 6 p.m. ET.
Last season’s upset at Richmond still resonates in Spartanburg and frames this week’s rematch.
Wofford Football Early-Season Outlook: Defense and Special Teams Leading the Way
In the opener, the offense had fits and starts, but the other two phases shined. “Well, I thought our defense played really well… I thought special teams was outstanding,” head coach Shawn Watson said after the game, pointing to the return unit and a blocked punt that flipped momentum .
The defense swarmed throughout, and special teams delivered two scores — an 89-yard kickoff return by Colby Alexander and a blocked-punt TD by Maximus Pulley, recovered by Perrin Ketchin — plus a safety that briefly gave Wofford control .
Richmond, meanwhile, enters with pedigree and balance and will try to steady quickly after a tough opener.
Keys to Victory for Wofford vs. Richmond
- Protect the football and sustain special phases. Last year’s win in Virginia was built on takeaways and game-changing special teams.
- Dominate the trenches. Establishing the run and generating defensive pressure will dictate tempo.
- Harness Gibbs Stadium energy. A home crowd can push the Terriers over the top in a close game.
Key Matchups in Wofford vs. Richmond Football
- Wofford defensive line vs. Richmond offensive front — Disruption up front could set the tone.
- Wofford running backs vs. Richmond linebackers — Sustained drives will shorten the game.
- Terriers secondary vs. Spiders wideouts — Preventing big plays is critical.
What’s at Stake in Wofford’s Home Game
A win would validate Watson’s message of growth and show the Terriers are making strides in his third year. For Richmond, it’s about redemption and resetting their season before Patriot League play.
Bottom Line: Defense, Special Teams, and Grit Could Define the Game
Wofford has the formula: an aggressive defense, explosive special teams, and the energy of Gibbs Stadium. If they clean up offensive execution and keep the other phases sharp, another signature upset may be in reach.
Call to Action
Can Wofford football deliver another upset over Richmond at Gibbs Stadium? Kickoff is at 6 p.m. Saturday in Spartanburg — follow live coverage on ESPN+ and check back here for full postgame analysis, highlights, and reactions.
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