When you think of the oldest football rivalries in the South, most people think of the classic Iron Bowl matchups between Alabama and Auburn or the Red River Rivalry between Oklahoma and Texas, but actually it’s the Furman-Wofford rivalry that holds the record for the oldest in the Deep South.

It is true that Georgia and Auburn fans claim to have the longest rivalry in the South, starting in 1892, however, Bulldog and Tiger fans need remember that it is actually Furman and Wofford that started earlier, kicking off in 1889. The Paladins led the Terriers 52-33-7 in the all time series ahead of the latest matchup and has a dominating 33-11-5 here in Greenville.

Entering Saturday’s game, the home team in the rivalry had won ten of the last 11 matchups, and after a dominant 34-14 victory, the Paladins made it 11 of 12.

Furman jumped out to a quick lead over the Terriers after a 24-yard touchdown pass from redshirt-senior Harris Roberts to sophomore Darius Morehead. The Paladins retained that lead for the remainder of the game.

A potent Terrier team that boasted the number one rushing offense in the nation entering Saturday’s game was stifled by Furman defense led by sophomore lineback Elijah McKoy.

McKoy enjoyed a career high 13 tackles and was complemented by junior linebacker Donavan Perryman’s career high 9 tackles against Wofford’s triple option offense to hold them to just 14 points.

Furman’s suffocating defense gave Paladin quarterback Harris Roberts the opportunity to enjoy a career day himself. Roberts had a hand in every Paladin score on Saturday. The first-year starter recorded 2 rushing touchdowns on top of 3 passing touchdowns and 235-yards through the air.

Following this victory over rival Wofford, the Paladins now boast a 2-1 record in Southern Conference play and an undefeated record at home. The purple-and-white will be back in action Saturday, Oct. 20 to defend Paladin Stadium against Samford in front of an eager homecoming crowd.