When: October 11th, 2014 at 3:30 pm (EST)
Where: Bob Waters Field at E.J. Whitmire Stadium
Series history: Western Carolina trails Wofford 12-23 all-time in the series. The Cats have dropped eight straight to the Terriers, last winning in 2005 by a final score of 24-0, the only shut out in conference play of the Terriers since they joined the SoCon.
Their coach: Mike Ayers - Ayers is now the dean of SoCon football coaches, entering his 27th season as the leader of the Wofford football program. In the past quarter century, Ayers has guided the Terriers from the NAIA and NCAA Division II ranks to Division I and the Southern Conference. Ayers is 176-121-1 at Wofford.
Last year’s record: 5-6 overall, 4-4 conference. The Terriers missed the post season for the first time since 2009
How they got there: The Terriers kicked off the 2013 season in Waco, Texas against Baylor, dropping their opener 3-69. Next up, the Terriers remained on the road against the Citadel, this time picking up a win 21-10 in Charleston. The following week, Wofford stayed in the win column beating Georgia Southern in Spartanburg. In week four, Wofford's streak ended at 2 with a 0-3 loss to Gardner-Webb at home. The Terriers followed up with a win over Presbyterian at home, then continued the winning streak over Elon, also in Spartanburg. The following week, Wofford went on the road to Cullowhee, and squeaked out a tough fought win over the Cats, 21-17. The Terriers then dropped their final four games of the season, to Samford (27-34), Chattanooga (10-20), ASU 21-33) and Furman (14-27). The four straight losses gave the Terriers their first losing season in 11 years.
Last season's game vs. Wofford: Oct. 20, 2013 - The upset-minded Catamounts had two drives inside the game's final six minutes with a chance to knock-off No. 12 Wofford on Hall of Fame Day at E.J. Whitmire Stadium. However, for a second-straight week, the Terriers' defense stiffened in the closing seconds as back-up quarterback Eddie Sullivan's final two pass attempts from the five-yard line fell incomplete as Wofford survived WCU's upset bid, 21-17. The Terriers struggled with the loss of Eric Breitenstein, Wofford's all time leading rusher. Without Breitenstein, the Terriers never found rhythm offensively,ending the season ranked 8th out of the 9 SoCon teams in total offense.
Offensive Formation: Wingbone (Triple Option)
Defensive Formation: Multiple 50
Lettermen Returning/Lost: 35 / 25
Offensive starters - Returning/Lost: 6 / 5
Defensive starters - Returning/Lost: 7 / 4
Specialist Returning/Lost: 0 / 3
Statistics:
Scoring: 21.2 points per game (avg)
Rushing Offense: 269.9 yards per game
TDs rushing: 24
Passing Offense: 85.4 yards per game
TDs passing: 5
Total Offense: 355.3 yards per game
Fumbles-Lost: 22 - 14
Penalties-Yards: 51 - 406 (36.9 per game)
On-side kicks: 0 - 2
3rd Down Conversions: 69 - 168 (41%)
4th Down Conversions: 18 - 35 (51%)
Field Goals - Attempts: 6 - 10
Red-Zone Scores: 26 - 36 (72%)
Red-Zone Touchdowns: 21 - 36 (58%)
Losses/Weaknesses:
Key Losses - James Lawson (QB); Alvin Scioneaux (LB), Jeff Ashley (WR); Kasey Redfern (kicker), Jared Singleton (OL)
Strengths:
Returning Leaders: Junior HB Will Gay; Jr FB Jonny Martin; Jr. HB Ray Smith; So. QB Evan Jacks; Jr. QB Michael Welmer; Jr. WR Will Irwin' Jr WR Wade Francis
Evan Jacks and Michael Weimer appear to be in the running for the starting QB position. Wofford has a solid stable of running backs for 2014, Lorezo Long, Will Gay, Jonny Martin and Ray Smith.
On defense, new defensive coordinator Nathan Fuqua will have to replace linebackers Mike McCrimmon and Alvin Scioneaux, but the strength of the defensive unit should be the defensive line, anchored by senior Tarek Odom who finished last season with 47 tackles.
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