Greenville, S.C. - Western Carolina's defense forced three takeaways with a trio of interceptions, the first leading to a Catamount touchdown and an early 7-0 lead. However, Furman used a run-oriented offense and strong defensive effort in scoring 35-unanswered points to claim the Southern Conference opener, 35-7, Saturday afternoon at Paladin Stadium.

Jacob Harris intercepted Furman quarterback Hamp Sisson on the game's opening drive, returning the pick 46 yards to set-up the Catamount offense in positive territory. Graduate transfer quarterback Ryan Glover then danced in from 10 yards out as WCU grabbed an early 7-0 lead. The Catamounts also tallied interceptions by Curtis Roach and transfer Rod Gattison on the afternoon.

Glover finished 7-of-14 for 42 yards through the air, adding a combined 15 rushing yards in his WCU debut as the Catamounts managed just 67 yards on the ground. His seven completions went to seven different receivers.

Three Catamount defenders finished with double-digit tackles in the loss as A.J. Rogers finished with 11 total stops. Ty Harris posted his 10th double-digit tackle performance of his career with 10 stops and Jacob Harris finished with 10 stops including a sack and the opening-possession interception.

Furman's offense chewed up 533 yards including 320 yards rushing and 213 passing yards on 91 offensive snaps including 55 in the first half. The Paladins used a 21-point second quarter to take a 28-7 advantage into the halftime locker room.

Paladin running back Devin Wynn rushed for 106 yards and a score while Devin Abrams (57 yards) and Dominic Roberto (54 yards) for Furman. Sisson finished 14-of-22 for 207 yards with three scores in addition to the three interceptions. Zach Peterson caught four passes for 84 yards and one of three passing TDs for the Paladins.

Western Carolina (0-4, 0-1 SoCon) travels to Birmingham, Ala., next Saturday to face the Samford Bulldogs with kickoff at 1:00 pm ET / Noon CT. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.