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Terriers Fall to ETSU 24-7 in Homecoming Weekend.
- John Welch
- Oct 28, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 2
The Wofford Terriers suffered their fifth loss of the season losing to the ETSU Buccaneers 24-7 this past Saturday. It marked the 79th Homecoming in Wofford’s history. It was the first time since 1997 that the Buccaneers won at Gibbs Stadium.
Game Recap:
The first half was a struggle for both offenses. ETSU the first possession was held to a fourth down at the Wofford 46. The Buccaneers decided to get fancy and attempt a fake punt. However, the Wofford Special Teams Unit did a great job downfield and Nate Brackett’s pass was broken up. With great field position, Wofford had an opportunity to score. However, the Bucs’ defense held firm forcing Wofford to a three and out, immediately getting the football back. The Bucs would miss a field goal setting up the Terriers with great field position. Another three and out meant another opportunity for ETSU. The next drive, Jaylen King’s pass was intercepted by Eli Campbell. Unfortunately for Terrier fans, Wofford was held to its third three and out of the game and punted again. Once again, Eli Campbell intercepted his second pass of the game which was returned 30 yards. The Terriers were not able to make anything happen and had to settle for a field goal; which was hooked wide left. The ensuing possession for ETSU saw the game’s first points scored; a 28 yard field goal with just under two minutes left in the first half. The Terriers weren’t able to score to end the first half so both teams went into the locker room disappointed on offense.
Wofford received the second half kickoff but after picking up one first down, the Terriers were forced to punt, a fumble on the snap was recovered by ETSU and returned for the game's first touchdown. It was the second consecutive home game in which Wofford allowed a touchdown on special teams. However, Wofford struck back and scored a touchdown on their next drive highlighted by a great throw from fifth year quarterback Bryce Corriston to Jordan Davis for the score. At 10-7, we had ourselves a ballgame in Sparkle City.
Now it was the Bucs turn to score on offense. An elite run game which struggled in the first half made adjustments in the second half as Jaylen King was able to scramble outside the pocket without any threat from the Wofford defensive front. A 22-yard touchdown run from King saw the ETSU lead grow back to ten. After another three and out for Wofford, King used his legs again and ran the ball for another touchdown. King finished the game with 88 yards on 12 carries and two rushing touchdowns. For the remainder of the fourth quarter, Wofford failed to provide any spark on offense and the Bucs ran out the clock and won the game 24-7.
John Welch’s Comments:
The Wofford offense once again was held to under ten points for a second week in a row. It seemed that everything I mentioned in the pregame article about ETSU and their run defense held true as they held this Wofford offense to just 2.8 yards per carry. The Terriers defense gave the offense opportunities early to get on the board first but Wofford just could not take advantage. The defense was winning first down and forcing a turnover heavy quarterback in Jaylen King to throw the ball. The first half defensive plan worked really well but it was downplayed because of the offensive struggles. However, in the second half, the ETSU offense made great adjustments and King was able to freely move outside the pocket. My player of the game actually goes to a coach, Joe Scelfo, the ETSU Offensive Line coach. ETSU did not give up a single sack in this game and the adjustments made in the second half in regards to the run game were spectacular.
The Terriers take on the Bulldogs in Homewood on Saturday as the Bucs will travel to Macon to take on the Mercer Bears.
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