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Wofford VS. ETSU PREGAME ANALYSIS
- John Welch
- Oct 24, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 2
Wofford will return to Gibbs Stadium for the first time since an impressive defensive performance against the VMI Keydets. In seven games this season, the Terrier defense ranks 5th in the nation (FCS) in Turnovers Gained (10 INT, 6 FR). In addition, the Terriers rank 14th in passing yards allowed per game this season. It will be key for this Terrier defense to continue its impressive play under Defensive Coordinators Andrew Warwick and Johnathan Saxon.
Getting to know ETSU:
The Buccaneers will come into Spartanburg fresh off of a bye with a 4-3 overall record (2-1 in the SOCON). This ETSU team has drastically improved from last season and actually held a lead going into the 4th Quarter against #1 North Dakota State in Johnson City on September 14th. The Bucs run attack this season remains stellar as this Bucs offense ranks 10th in rushing yards per game and average 5.56 yards per attempt. The Bucs offense is led by Quarterback Jaylen King, a Sophomore transfer from Gardner-Webb who has thrown for eight passing touchdowns this season. However, King has thrown for seven interceptions this season and six in his last three starts. Coincidentally, in the two games where King threw 3 interceptions (Citadel on 9/28, Samford on 10/12), the Bucs won both of those games.
As for the Bucs defense, they have been putting up impressive stats posting a 32.4% 3rd down conversion percentage (18th in the nation). In addition, getting to the quarterback is no issue for this Bucs defense as they rank 16th in total sacks this season. Under 1st year defensive coordinator Josh Reardon, who also arrived in Johnson City this year from Garnder-Webb, Reardon has a reputation for creating a solid rush defense. This season, the Bucs rank 10th in yards per game on the ground and are holding opponents to 2.97 yards per rush. It’s no surprise that in 2022, under Reardon’s leadership, Gardner-Webb were 2nd in the Big South in yards per game.
Offensive Struggles:
In the past two games for the Terriers, turnovers have been an issue for the Terriers. They have thrown seven interceptions in the past two games. Head Coach Shawn Waston talked post game last week and noted the Terriers need to stop turning the ball over on offense. Last week, Chattanooga scored 27 second-half points, most of which were off of Wofford turnovers. The Terriers will have to be disciplined with the football this week. On the bright side, this ETSU defense ranks in the 31st percentile in turnovers created so far this season.
John’s Comments:
This is a very important game for the Wofford College Terriers. There should be a huge crowd at Gibbs this Saturday as this week marks the 79th homecoming game in the college’s history. Particularly, in two of the past four games, the Terriers have created a turnover on their first defensive possession. While attaining great field position on offense, both times the Terriers settled for a field goal. It will be imperative for the Terriers to take advantage of the first offensive drive and put pressure on Jaylen King. Furthermore, I am really looking forward to how this defense is going to play against King. King has caused a lot of turnovers this season and this Wofford defense as mentioned creates lots of turnovers. Getting to King early will be key if the Terriers want to dethrone the Bucs on Saturday. Offensively, Wofford will have to find its running game again which struggled in the second half against UTC. Going up against this ETSU rush defense will be a challenge for the coaching staff to solve. As previously mentioned, the Bucs are 10th in the nation in rushing yards per game. Kyle Watkins, who came off steaming hot this season, has not had a 100+ yard game since the win against Richmond this September. Watkins was the X-factor for both of those games and the Terriers will need that production from the senior on Saturday if they want to win this football game. Overall, I believe it is going to be a low scoring game where turnovers will dictate the outcome of the game.
Prediction ETSU 17 : Wofford 20
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