Furman tries to get on track against Wofford

Furman's Joshua Tarver (6) returns an interception
against Richmond. Photo courtesy of Furman

While Furman won't be facing a ranked team like it did every Saturday in September, its top-heavy schedule continues as Wofford visits Paladin Stadium Saturday for a 2 p.m. kickoff. It will be the 100th edition of the Deep South's oldest rivalry, which began in 1889. That's a fact that Georgia-Auburn is just going to have to deal with.

It will be nothing but Southern Conference play from here on out for the Paladins (2-3, 1-0). When it comes to league foes, nobody has had the Paladins' number lately more than the Terriers. After drilling Wofford 63-28 in 2022, Furman has been held to exactly 13 points in each of the last three meetings. That's helped the Terriers win three consecutive games in the series, which Furman leads 56-36-7.

"I get to coach in the 100th meeting after coaching in the 100th anniversary in 1989. ... I know it's going to be a hard fought game," Furman coach Clay Hendrix said. "I really think a lot of Coach (Shawn) Watson after getting to know him the last few years. ... We certainly want to win badly. We haven't played very well against them the past couple of years. We're trying to focus on ourselves, but it will be a huge game for us. It will be a huge one for them too.

"Turnovers have been a big part of this game, particularly the last few years. They probably will be again and it will be a big challenge for us."

The stunning loss at Wofford three years ago spoiled the Paladins' bid for an undefeated run through the SoCon and possible home field advantage throughout the FCS playoffs. Losses to the Terriers each of the last two years helped ensure non-winning seasons for Furman.

No history, recent or ancient, will mean much by 2:01 p.m. Saturday. Furman's goals should be clear - continue making big plays defensively, while shoring up things between the 20s a little, and finding some kind of spark offensively. Among FCS teams that have played five games this season, only VMI (five) and Long Island (five) have scored fewer offensive touchdowns than the Paladins (six). The offensive struggles led to quarterbacks coach Drew Dudzik replacing Justin Roper as offensive coordinator this week. 

"I just kind of feel like we've become the master of nothing. ... Our guys fight to the end and they've got some talent. Those things give you hope," Hendrix said. "Right now, they're needing a wrench and we're handing them a screwdriver. We've got to give them the tools they need to be successful.

"I know our coaches will have our guys ready to go. We're kind of ready to turn the page (on the non-conference). Let's go see what we can do in these last seven games."

When it comes to Wofford, it might be the most box of chocolates team in the SoCon this season. You never know what you're going to get with the Terriers, who already have three SoCon games under their belt. They opened the season by stomping The Citadel. Two weeks ago, Wofford allowed 310 yards rushing in a blowout loss at Chattanooga. Last Saturday, the Terriers led 10th-ranked Tennessee Tech for most of the day before getting outscored 21-3 in the fourth quarter of a four-point loss. They allowed 427 yards passing.

"When you look at Wofford, they're really talented at wide receiver. They've got speed and athleticism out there. I'd be shocked on the first play of the game if they don't throw it deep. That's just what they do," Hendrix said. "A couple of their kids made unbelievable catches last week." 

Remembering Ray Lamb

A gut-wrenching road loss Saturday and the need for a staff change only added to what had to be an emotional weekend for Hendrix. Last Thursday, Georgia high school coaching legend Ray Lamb died at the age of 90. Before Hendrix and life-long friend Bobby Lamb attended Furman, they went out on top at Commerce (Ga.) High. As seniors in 1981, they won a state championship under the head coaching guidance of Bobby's father, Ray.

Last Sunday, a memorial service was held at Commerce High's Ray Lamb Stadium. After the long bus ride from Richmond got back to campus well past midnight, Hendrix was able to attend the service.

"I wasn't going to miss that. ... He had a huge impact on me. I think anybody that's ever played for me had a little bit of him in them as well," Hendrix said. "Him and a guy by the name of Steve Savage probably had as much to do with me becoming a coach as anybody. He lived an incredible life and I can't imagine the number of people he's influenced."

After 32 years of head coaching high school football in Georgia, Lamb went on to serve as Director of High School Relations for the University of Georgia football program for 19 years. While he never had any official capacity at Furman, he had to be an influential part of the Paladins program as well.

In addition to being a mentor and coach to Furman's current head coach and father of another Paladin legend, it seems plausible that Ray Lamb helped open recruiting pipelines. Think of all the talented players from the Peach State that have played at Furman over the years. Guys like John Keith, Louis Ivory and William Middleton.

"He was a tough-minded tough dude. I used to tell him, 'Coach, you know if I did what you did to us, I'd get locked up,' " Hendrix said with a smile. "Sunday was a sad day, but a good day as the service was more of a celebration really. ... I saw Bruce Fowler and George Quarles there, and Kirby Smart too. ... I saw some guys I'd not seen since that state championship season 45 years ago."

Tarver's play recognized

Joshua Tarver set a tone for Furman's defense last Saturday when he picked off the first of three interceptions by the Paladins. His 26-yard return to the Spiders' 48-yard line set up a field goal. Despite only making two starts this season, the grad transfer from Yale has earned national attention.

Pro Football Network, which studies analytics and data, has graded Tarver's play this season at 95.7. That's the highest grade among all FCS safeties. For the season, Tarver has 20 tackles, two interceptions and is averaging 16.5 yards per punt return on six returns.