By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

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The Terriers were one of the very best in the country on both sides of the line of scrimmage this past fall.

nGetting within a few plays of the national semifinals, Wofford had a 2016 to remember. The Terriers reached ten wins and rallied to six victories in seven games down the home stretch. Of Wofford’s three FCS losses, two came in overtime and the other came by two points, all to playoff teams. In a season filled with drama, one theme was consistent: the Terriers won football games in the trenches.

nSimply put, Wofford was one of the very best in the country on both sides of the line of scrimmage this past fall. Impressively, the Terriers, Jacksonville State and Division II Harding were the only teams in all of NCAA football to average at least 275 yards per game rushing and give up less than 105. Wofford was one of just four FCS teams to top 3,900 yards on the ground and allowed the third-fewest rushing touchdowns in the game.xc2xa0

nThough retooling, expect more of the same from Wofford offensively. While the Terriers must replace star running back Lorenzo Long, two talented quarterbacks, senior Brandon Goodson and sophomore Joe Newman, give the offense great direction. Goodson has three years of playing experience, while Newman rose up the depth chart as a true freshman and was instrumental in Wofford’s playoff win at The Citadel. Steady veteran Roo Daniels will lead the Terriers up front.

nThe league’s best rush defense is set to be even better. Back are junior Miles Brown and senior Tyler Vaughn, a pair of first-team all-conference linemen who combined for 30 tackles for loss a year ago. Brown, at 6’2”, 320 pounds, is a tone-setter who anchors the front line. A dynamic disrupter off the edge, Vaughn finished second in the league with eight sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss. The Terriers’ leading tackler last season, Datavious Wilson, also returns after a standout true freshman season.

nMore success appears to be on the horizon for Wofford. Long-time head coach Mike Ayers and the Terriers are perfecting a tried-and-true formula in Spartanburg, one of winning games right where they start.