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Terriers Strike Early, Control the Game, and Send a Message to Close 2025
SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Wofford didn’t just close its season on Saturday — the Terriers put an exclamation point on it. Behind a crisp performance from quarterback J.T. Fayard, a powerful two-touchdown day from Gerald Modest Jr., and a defense that refused to bend, Wofford defeated Chattanooga 35–13 at Gibbs Stadium to finish the year at 6–6 overall (5–3 SoCon).
The Terriers, who rebounded from a mid-season slide to win six of their final seven, looked like a team determined to show how far they’ve come. Chattanooga (5–7, 4–4 SoCon) never found steady footing as Wofford dictated tempo and energy for four quarters.
Fayard Sets Tone as Terriers Seize Early Control
From the opening whistle, Fayard played with command and confidence. The junior capped Wofford’s first sustained drive with a 22-yard strike to Colby Alexander, slipping the ball between two defenders to put the Terriers ahead 7–0 late in the first quarter.
In the second, Wofford turned to its bruiser in the backfield. Modest Jr., who ran with purpose all afternoon, powered in a 2-yard touchdown to stretch the lead to 14–0. His balance and downhill burst consistently wore down UTC’s front.
Chattanooga clawed back late in the half, trimming the margin to 21–13 before the break, but it was clear Wofford owned the momentum — and it wouldn’t shift back.
Terriers Put Game Away With Statement Third Quarter
Out of halftime, Wofford delivered the game’s defining punches.
Fayard marched the Terriers downfield, finishing the drive with a 3-yard touchdown pass to Ivory Aikens, who boxed out his defender and pulled it in for a 28-13 lead. Early in the fourth, Fayard dealt the final blow — a 4-yard TD to Isaiah Scott on a sharp out route that pushed the advantage to 35–13.
With the offense clicking, Gibbs Stadium could feel it: the Terriers weren’t just winning — they were rolling.
Fayard finished with 244 yards passing and three touchdowns, showing poise and precision throughout.
Aikens led all receivers with six catches for 91 yards, while Alexander added 58 yards and a score.
Defense Clamps Down, Forces Mistakes
While the offense piled on points, the defense quietly delivered one of its cleanest games of the season.
Wofford held the Mocs to 13 points, forced three takeaways, and closed the door on multiple drives that threatened to turn the game. Chattanooga quarterback Battle Alberson threw for 215 yards but never found room for explosive plays, and the Terriers’ front seven made life difficult from the second quarter on.
Late in the fourth, as Chattanooga attempted a last-chance rally, Brandon Maina and Caleb Oliver combined for a fourth-down sack that effectively sealed the win and ignited the Wofford sideline.
The Terriers finished with 371 total yards, compared with Chattanooga’s 300, but the real difference came in execution — Wofford protected the ball, sustained drives, and won situational football.
A Statement Ending
For a team that struggled early but found its identity over the final month, Saturday was validation. Wofford showcased balance, physicality, improved quarterback play, and a defense that continues to trend upward under the current staff.
With momentum, stability, and a locker room that clearly believes in its direction, the Terriers walk into the offseason not just with a win — but with confidence.
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