Box Score SPARTANBURG, SC – Wofford College was defeated 24-13 by Elon on Saturday afternoon at Gibbs Stadium. Wofford had touchdowns from Josh Collier and Michael Hobbs, but Elon was able to score three receiving touchdowns along with a field goal. The Terriers committed four turnovers in the game.
Wofford is now 6-2 on the season and are 3-1 in conference play. Elon is 5-2 overall and are also 3-1 in the Southern Conference. Wofford was outgained 442 to 400 in total yards. Elon quarterback Scott Riddle was 41-of-51 for 343 yards passing and Terrell Hudgins and Bo Williamson both had 100+ receiving games. Wofford was led by Kevious Johnson with 129 yards rushing.
“We had our own issues this week,” said head coach Mike Ayers. “We did not get it done today. We had several opportunities in the game to take control, but we did not get it done. Offense, defense and kicking all had issues. Elon has a great offense and we had to work for everything we got against their defense.”
The Terriers had the ball first, but despite a 36-yard run by Kevious Johnson, were forced to punt. The Phoenix wasted little time on their first drive, going 94 yard in just eight plays. Terrell Hudgins capped the drive with a 34-yard touchdown reception from Scott Riddle.
Wofford was forced three-and-out on their next drive. Once again, the Phoenix offense was able to drive down the field. Scott Riddle found Michael Mayers for a nine-yard reception at 3:21 in the first quarter to take a 14-0 lead.
After an onside kick attempt by Elon that was recovered by Wofford, the Terriers took advantage of the short field. On fourth-and-two, Dane Romero gained 26-yards for the first down. Then, on fourth down, Josh Collier kept the ball and scored on a ten-yard touchdown run. The drive was eight plays and went 53 yards to cut the Elon lead to 14-7.
Early in the second quarter, Wofford’s defense forced the Phoenix to punt. The Terriers were able to drive 80 yards, including a 25-yard reception by Fenn Allen and a fourth-down run by Josh Collier. The drive was capped by a three-yard run by Michael Hobbs. Pat Mugan missed the extra point, giving Elon a 14-13 edge.
After the kickoff, the Phoenix drove into Terriers’ territory, but Andrew Wilcox missed a 47-yard field goal attempt with 2:28 remaining in the half. Wofford gained a first down, but were forced to punt. After picking up two first downs, the Phoenix attempted a 38-yard field goal, but it was wide right as time expired.
In the second half, Elon had the ball first and the Terriers defense forced a punt. With Wofford back on offense, Kevious Johnson gained 29-yards before Daronce Daniels forced a fumble, which was recovered by the Phoenix.
The Terrier defense forced Elon three-and-out, but after gaining two first downs the Terriers were also forced to punt. Back on defense, the Terriers were led by Kevin Adleman with a pass break-up as Wofford forced a three-and-out.
After a three-and-out by Wofford, Elon was able to put together a drive that ended with a 35-yard line drive field goal by Andrew Wilcox with 42 seconds left in the third quarter.
Wofford picked up two quick first downs by Kevious Johnson and Justice Joslin. Josh Collier fumbled a lateral, which was recovered by Walker White of Elon to end the drive for the Terriers. However the Phoenix could not convert the turnover into point as Andrew Wilcox missed a 44-yard field goal wide left.
The Terriers again were able to move the ball, picking up a couple first downs. However the drive ended with a fumble that was recovered by Corey Weaver of Elon. The Phoenix were able to convert the turnover into points when Terrell Hudgins scored on a one-yard reception from Scott Riddle.
Following the touchdown, Wofford was able to gain one first down before turning the ball over on downs. The Terrier defense was able to force a three-and-out and Elon punted with 2:57 left in the game. Again, Wofford was able to gain a first down, but an interception by Chris Bland of Ben Widmyer sealed the game. Elon was able to run out the final two minutes of the game and leave with a 24-13 win.
Next week the Terriers will travel to Cullowhee, N.C. on Thursday, October 25 to face Western Carolina. The Southern Conference game will be televised nationally by ESPNU.
Wofford vs. Elon
Post-Game Notes
The Terriers lost at Gibbs Stadium for the first time September 30, 2006 against Furman, ending a seven-game streak.
The win by Elon marked the first over the Terriers since a 20-16 win on November 4, 1995. Wofford had won five straight in the series.
The loss by Wofford ended a streak of ten straight wins over NCAA FCS opponents.
Wofford had three fumbles, all in the second half, tied for the most this season. They also had three fumbles at NC State. The Terriers had four total turnovers in the game, the most since they had four on September 10, 2005 against West Virginia.
Wofford was behind (14-7) after the first quarter for just the second time this season. The Terriers were down 7-3 at NC State. They have also been tied entering the second quarter twice.
Wofford was down at the half (14-13) for the second time this season (24-3 vs. NC State). They have also been tied at the half twice.
Elon quarterback Scott Riddle completed his first ten passes of the game.
Wofford placekicker Patrick Mugan ended his streak of consecutive PATs at 36 when he hit the right upright in the second quarter.
Wofford back Kevious Johnson rushed for a season-high 129 yards, his second 100+ rushing game of the season.
Wofford wide receiver Tripp Smith caught a career-high three passes for 34 yards.
Attendance: 8,229
