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SPARTANBURG, S.C. — On a crisp October afternoon at Gibbs Stadium, the Wofford Terriers finally looked like the team they believed they could be.
Behind J.T. Fayard’s steady hand and Javario Tinch’s game-changing pick-six, Wofford delivered a statement 31–13 victory over Furman in the 99th meeting of one of South Carolina’s oldest football rivalries.
It wasn’t just a win — it was a breakthrough. After weeks of heartbreak and near-misses, the Terriers put together a complete performance against a proud Paladin squad that refused to back down.
1st Quarter — Wofford’s Fast Start Sets the Tone
From the opening snap, there was a different energy in the air.
Wofford marched 85 yards in seven plays, capped by a 29-yard touchdown from Fayard to Colby Alexander. The crowd erupted as the Terriers took a 7–0 lead — and for the first time in a long time, confidence flowed through the sideline.
Furman’s defense tightened late in the quarter, by forcing quick throw and putting pressure on Fayard but the early blow belonged to Wofford.
2nd Quarter — Furman Fights Back, Terriers Keep Punching
Furman showed its trademark resilience in the second quarter.
Quarterback Trey Hedden settled into a rhythm, connecting with Devin Hester Jr. on a 10-yard touchdown to cap an eight-play, 75-yard drive. Though the two-point attempt failed, the Paladins had found life, cutting it to 7–6.
But Wofford’s offense answered like a veteran unit. Fayard stayed poised, reading the Paladin coverage and leading a six-play, 54-yard drive ending with a 23-yard dart to Terrence Honeywood for a 14–6 lead.
And just before halftime, Ihson Jackson-Anderson bulldozed his way into the end zone from the 1-yard line, giving Wofford a 21–6 lead at the break and the kind of swagger they’d been searching for all season.
3rd Quarter — Paladins Push, but Terriers Hold Firm
True to their identity, Furman didn’t fold.
After forcing a fumble early in the second half, the Paladins capitalized when Gavin Hall punched in a 4-yard touchdown run, trimming the score to 21–13.
The visitors began finding space — Ryan Miller and Hester made key catches, and Hedden moved the chains through tight windows.
But every time Furman threatened, Wofford’s defense slammed the door.
Linebackers Tinch, McCloud, and Walker swarmed the backfield, while the defensive front applied relentless pressure that forced hurried throws. It wasn’t flashy — it was disciplined, physical football, the kind that wins rivalry games.
4th Quarter — Tinch Ignites Gibbs Stadium
As Furman mounted one final push, Javario Tinch made the play that changed everything.
Reading Hedden’s eyes, he jumped a slant route and sprinted 66 yards for a pick-six, bringing the crowd to its feet and sealing the momentum for good.
The roar rolled through Spartanburg. Helmets flew. Players chest-bumped. It was the kind of emotional moment this Wofford team had been chasing all season.
Moments later, Sam Spence added a 42-yard field goal to lock in the final score — 31–13 — as Wofford celebrated a long-awaited win over its Upstate rival.
Wofford’s Defense Rediscovers Its Edge
For Wofford, this was more than a rivalry victory — it was a return to identity.
The Terriers’ defense looked fearless, forcing three interceptions, recording five sacks, and holding Furman to 72 rushing yards.
Tinch’s pick-six will headline highlight reels, but the tone was set by the entire unit.
Every hit felt heavier. Every stop came with a roar.
“That’s who we are,” head coach Shawn Watson said. “We play fast, we play together, and we play tough. Furman’s a great team — but our guys earned this one.”
Furman’s Fight Worth Noting
Even in defeat, Furman showed the poise and discipline that have defined its program under Clay Hendrix.
Trey Hedden finished 27-of-39 for 257 yards and a touchdown, spreading the ball to seven receivers. Ryan Miller led the way with six catches for 62 yards, while Devin Hester Jr. provided the Paladins’ lone receiving score.
On defense, a number of players contributed to keep Furman within striking distance.
Hendrix praised his team’s fight despite the miscues:
“We moved the ball well and gave ourselves chances,” he said. “You just can’t turn it over three times and expect to win on the road. But I’m proud of our effort — that’s never in question.”
Fayard Finds His Moment
For Wofford, J.T. Fayard might have done more than win a game — he might have found his voice as the Terriers’ leader.
The sophomore finished 18-of-25 for 179 yards and two touchdowns, showing command, accuracy, and composure.
His connection with Isaiah Scott (7 receptions, 91 yards) gave Wofford a steady rhythm, and his ability to extend plays kept drives alive when Furman’s pass rush closed in. Fayard didn’t just manage the offense — he owned it.
“He’s growing every week,” Watson said. “He gives our team belief.”
By the Numbers
- Total Offense: Wofford 325 (146 rush / 179 pass); Furman 329 (72 rush / 257 pass)
- Turnovers: Wofford 1 / Furman 3
- Third Downs: Wofford 4-of-12; Furman 4-of-14
- Sacks: Wofford 5; Furman 0
- Key Players: Fayard (2 TD), Jackson-Anderson (1 TD), Tinch (Pick-6), Hedden (1 TD), Miller (62 yds), Hester Jr. (TD)
A Rivalry Renewed — Respect Earned on Both Sides
Saturday’s game wasn’t defined by animosity, but by mutual respect — two programs that know each other’s tendencies, history, and heart.
The 99th meeting of the Furman–Wofford rivalry, dating back to 1889, had everything that makes college football special: pride, passion, and perseverance.
Wofford (2–5, 1–2 SoCon) finally found its rhythm.
Furman (4–3, 2–2 SoCon) showed the kind of resolve that will serve them well down the stretch.
As the final horn sounded, both sidelines shook hands — rivals by tradition, competitors by nature, and examples of what the Southern Conference is all about.
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