Wofford Terriers
SoCon
With October losses to Samford and Citadel, Wofford was not able to compete for a Southern Conference title. However, a big win at Chattanooga on November 12th helped put the Terriers in the playoffs and turn their season around. With more performances like that one, Wofford could make a decent run in the playoffs.
2016 Record: 8-3, 6-2
Coach: Mike Ayers
Big Wins: 11/5 at Furman (34-27), 11/12 at Chattanooga (36-28)
Bad Losses: 10/1 at Samford (26-28), 10/22 Citadel (21-24)
Strengths:
Wofford’s defense has improved dramatically this season. The experienced unit ranks first in the Southern Conference allowing just 272.1 yards per game. Junior linemen Tyler Vaughn had a breakout season, totaling 7.0 sacks and 14.0 tackles-for-loss. With Miles Brown joining Vaughn on the line, Wofford can get a great push at the line of scrimmage. That has led to a solid pass rush and a great rush defense. Linebackers like leading tackler Datavious Wilson take advantage of that push and track down ball carriers. The secondary has plenty of playmakers too. Jaleel Green is the leader of the unit and youngsters like George Gbesee and Dominique Lemon have really stepped up this year.
Weaknesses:
Wofford’s option offense is always dangerous. The ground game took a small step back this year, but still ranked fourth in the FCS in rushing offense. Quarterback Brandon Goodson stepped in for injured quarterback Evan Jacks and has done a solid job running the option. As always, Wofford is not going to throw the ball very often and they just need Goodson to keep getting the ball to backs Lorenzo Long and Will Gay. Once again Long has been one of the best rushers in the Southern Conference and he has taken on a larger load this season. Wofford does need more production from Gay and Goodson on the ground though so the option offense becomes less predictable.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Lorenzo Long, FB, 1,211 yards
Passing: Brandon Goodson, QB, 581 yards
Receiving: Chandler Gouger, TE, 205 yards
Tackles: Datavious Wilson, LB, 74
Sacks: Tyler Vaughn, DL, 7.0
Interceptions: Jaleel Green, S, 5
2016 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 292.9 (4th in nation, 2nd in conference)
Passing Offense: 76.4 (121, 8)
Total Offense: 369.3 (69, 7)
Scoring Offense: 30.3 (34, 4)
Rushing Defense: 69.3 (2, 1)
Pass Defense: 202.8 (42, 5)
Total Defense: 272.1 (4, 1)
Scoring Defense: 19.2 (12, 3)
Turnover Margin: 0.80 (18, 1)
Sacks: 2.50 (28, 3)
Sacks Allowed: 0.30 (3, 2)
Recent Playoff Appearances:
2012 Second Round Defeated New Hampshire
2012 Quarterfinals Lost to North Dakota State
2011 Second Round Lost to Northern Iowa
2010 Second Round Defeated Jacksonville State
2010 Quarterfinals Lost to Georgia Southern
2008 First Round Lost to James Madison
2007 First Round Defeated Montana
2007 Quarterfinals Lost to Richmond
2003 First Round Defeated North Carolina A&T
2003 Quarterfinals Defeated Western Kentucky
2003 Semifinals Lost to Delaware
*all team stats through 11/12
