SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Wofford College football team was defeated 24-17 by Western Carolina on Saturday afternoon at Gibbs Stadium. The Terriers had four turnovers in the first half and the Catamounts had a 17-0 lead at the half. Wofford battled back in the second half, but were unable to score on their final possession of the game.
 
The Terriers are 3-4 on the season and 1-2 in Southern Conference play, while the Catamounts are 4-2 and 2-1 in the league. Wofford was led by Lorenzo Long with 68 rushing yards and Evan Jacks with 66 rushing yards and 74 passing yards. Western Carolina's Troy Mitchell had 42 rushing yards and was 21-of-27 passing for 203 yards.   
 
"We can't turn the ball over and give them that many chances," said head coach Mike Ayers. "We were at least in the game when we came out for the second half. We got a few things going and next thing you know we are back in the game. At critical moments we are making some serious mistakes and you can't put the ball on the ground. If you give people opportunities because of turnovers, I guarantee that they will make you pay for it in this league. I am very frustrated and the team is frustrated. We have guys that are busting their chops and working hard. Our defense gave us a chance in the second half and we had a real good plan. Offensively we had plays, but you have to execute them. We have to do a better job of coaching and as a whole team in all three phases."
 
The Terriers had the ball first and gained four first downs before a pass by Evan Jacks was intercepted in the end zone by Jaleel Lorquet. On the first drive of the game for the Catamounts, they had three first down before punting back to the Terriers. Wofford had a first down run by Evan Jacks, but the drive stalled after a sack and the Terriers punted.
 
On the next drive by the Catamounts, they were able to drive inside the 20-yard line. A 32-yard field goal attempt was wide right and Wofford took over with 11:54 remaining in the second quarter. The Terriers gained a first down, but the Ray Smith fumbled and it was recovered by Sertonuse Harris for the Catamounts at the 41-yard line. After a pair of first downs by penalty and a first down passing, Corey Holloway scored from two-yards out to take a 7-0 lead at the 7:24 mark of the second quarter.
 
With the ball back, Hunter Windham ran for two first downs to move to midfield. Evan Jacks was intercepted by Keion Crossen and the Catamounts took over at the 44-yard line. After a first down, Troy Mitchell found Kaynorris Benson for a 22-yard touchdown reception. Western Carolina had a 14-0 lead with 3:26 left in the first half.
 
The Terriers had the ball back, but after gaining one first down Evan Jacks fumbled and it was recovered by Tyson Dickson. The Catamounts had the ball at the 24-yard line with 1:16 remaining in the first half. As time expired, the Catamounts added a 23-yard field goal to take a 17-0 lead at the break.
 
To begin the second half, Brion Anderson intercepted Troy Mitchell and Wofford took over at the 31-yard line. The Terriers got on the board with 47-yard field goal by David Marvin for a 17-3 score at the 12:38 mark of the third quarter. The Catamounts went three-and-out and punted. Wofford was able to gain two first downs before punting back to Western Carolina.
 
The Catamounts then drove 85 yards in nine plays and scored on a 24-yard pass to Detrez Newsome for a 24-3 lead at the 1:45 mark of the third quarter. The Terriers had one first down, then faced fourth-and-five. Evan Jacks scrambled for the first down and he ran for two more first downs in the drive. Jacks then found Hunter Windham for a 20-yard touchdown reception and Wofford trailed 24-10 with 11:54 left in the game. The Terriers attempted an onside kick that was recovered by JoJo Tillery at the 46-yard line.
 
Wofford had a fourth-and-seven, which Ray Smith converted with an 11-yard run. A first down run by Evan Jacks and two by Chase Nelson kept the drive moving and Ray Smith scored from two yards out to make it a 24-17 game with 5:44 remaining on the clock.
 
The Terrier defense held the Catamounts to a three-and-out and punted. Wofford took over at the 20-yard line with 4:32 left in the game. After gaining one first down, the Terriers were faced with a fourth-and-ten. A fumble on the play was recovered by the Catamounts with 1:27 remaining in the game. Western Carolina took a knee twice to finish the game.
 
Wofford had 316 total yards, with 242 passing. Western Carolina had 292 total yards, 203 of which were passing. Wofford had a 21 to 16 advantage in first downs. Wofford was 8-of-16 on third downs and 3-of-4 on fourth down. Western Carolina was 6-of-12 on third down. Wofford was called for five penalties to Western Carolina's two. Wofford had a 37:47 to 22:13 time of possession advantage.
 
Wofford vs. Western Carolina Post-Game Notes
 
Western Carolina won in Spartanburg for the first time since October 10, 1981 (37-30) and it was their first win at Gibbs Stadium.
 
The Terriers' seven game home winning streak came to an end.
 
Wofford used only one quarterback (Evan Jacks) for the first time this season.
 
The interception by Brion Anderson was his second this season and fourth of his career. Freshman JoJo Tillery made his first career start at safety and freshman Cole Cleary returned kickoffs in his first career game.
 
There were no significant injuries in the contest. WR Will Irwin and RB Nick Colvin returned to action.
 
Game captains were Bradley Way and Boston Bryant.
 
Attendance was 7,344 at Gibbs Stadium.
 
Wofford will remain home next Saturday, October 24, as the Terriers host Chattanooga. The 1:30 p.m. game will be available on the SoCon Digital Network.