Can Wofford football exceed expectations in 2023? Our game-by-game predictions
With a new coach, 12 returning starters across the offense and defense and 36 newcomers, a lot will look different for Wofford football in 2023.
Josh Conklin resigned after 15 consecutive losses and offensive coordinator Shawn Watson was named the interim coach on Oct. 6. After leading Wofford to a 3-3 record, the interim label was removed from Watson.
Senior Bryce Corriston takes over as starting quarterback, but Wofford returns four of its five leading rushers including sophomore Kyle Parsons and leading pass catcher sophomore Dylan Djete. On defense, junior linebacker David Powers leads a front seven that returns six starters.
Here are our game-by-game predictions for the Terriers' 2023 season.
Sept. 2: at Pittsburgh
Opening the season at Pitt is a tall task for any Southern Conference team — especially one that's experiencing a lot of change. Expect former Boston College quarterback Phil Jurkovec to put some points up in his first start for Pitt.
Prediction: Pittsburg 45, Wofford 17
Sept. 9: at William & Mary
In 2022, William & Mary won the Colonial Athletic Association and went 11-2, so the Idea of traveling to Virginia to take on the Tribe shouldn't be appealing — especially when you add in their 17 returning starters, including senior running back Bronson Yoder, who rushed for 1,296 yards and 13 touchdowns last season.
Prediction: William & Mary 32, Wofford 27
Sept. 16: Presbyterian College
The slate gets easier for Wofford in its home opener with PC making the trip up I-26. Though the Blue Hose threw the ball relatively effectively last season, they couldn't slow down the opposition. Watch for the Wofford run game in this one — PC gave up 2,293 rushing yards and 32 touchdowns last season.
Prediction: Wofford 37, Presbyterian 24
Sept. 23: at Virginia Military Institute
In the first SoCon game of the season for Wofford, a winning streak could be formed. VMI finished 1-10 in 2022, including a 34-16 loss to the Terriers. Despite going on the road, Wofford should be .500 after this one.
Prediction: Wofford 24, Virginia Military Institute 17
Sept. 30: Chattanooga
This matchup should give Wofford an idea of how good it can be in 2023. Chattanooga finished third in the SoCon with a record of 7-4, including a 31-0 shutout win over the Terriers in last season's opener. With 16 returning starters, including 2022 SoCon defensive player of the year Jay Person and running back Ailym Ford, who rushed for 162 yards with two touchdowns in that blowout win, it's hard to imagine the streak gets to three wins.
Prediction: Chattanooga 28, Wofford 14
Oct. 7: Samford
Week 6 sees the defending SoCon champions come to Gibbs Stadium in what will be a difficult game for the Terriers. Led by 2022 SoCon offensive player of the year QB Michael Hiers, who threw for a conference-best 3,544 yards and 36 touchdowns, Wofford will struggle to slow down the Bulldogs offense.
Prediction: Samford 41, Wofford 24
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Oct. 14: at East Tennessee State
With last season's leading running back Jacob Saylors graduated, ETSU will have to find a new way to move the ball on offense. Saylors ran for 245 yards with three touchdowns for the Bucs in their 48-41 loss to Wofford last season. Take that threat away and it's easy to see the Terries again top the Bucs.
Prediction: Wofford 37, East Tennessee State 24
Oct. 21: at Mercer
Mercer beat Wofford 42-7 last season, so you have to believe that the Terriers will have this game circled on their calendars. After holding North Alabama to just seven points to win its season opener, the Mercer defense showed yet again it has what it takes to slow down any SoCon offense.
Prediction: Mercer 24, Wofford 14
Nov. 4: Western Carolina
With quarterback Cole Gonzales and receiver Censere Lee returning to a high-flying offense that averaged 31.9 points last season, don't expect this to be a defensive struggle. Last year the Catamounts won 36-29 but with WCU heading to Spartanburg this season, the script could be flipped.
Prediction: Wofford 37, Western Carolina 34
Nov. 11: at The Citadel
In 2022, Wofford's 31-16 win over The Citadel broke a 16-game losing streak and gave Watson his first win at Wofford. Despite being on the road, expect the Terriers to put points on the board and get another win.
Prediction: Wofford 27, The Citadel 14
Nov. 18: Furman
In what used to be a highly anticipated matchup between the Upstate rivals, the I-85 rivalry has been one-sided the past two seasons, with Furman winning by 20-plus each time. With 18 starters returning from last season's 10-3 team, the Paladins should add another to their win streak over the Terriers.
Prediction: Furman 35, Wofford 21
Season prediction: 5-6 (4-4 in SoCon)
This article originally appeared on Herald-Journal: Wofford football game-by-game predictions for 2023 season
