COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) – Jake Bentley ran for two touchdowns and passed for a third to lead South Carolina to eight wins, its most in four years, with a 31-10 victory over Wofford on Saturday.

The Gamecocks (8-3) heavy favorites over Wofford of the FCS Southern Conference. But with memories of South Carolina’s stunning 23-22 loss to FCS Citadel two years ago still fresh, fans at Williams-Brice Stadium weren’t taking anything for granted.

Until Bentley and the Gamecocks got going.

Down 3-0 in the second quarter, Bentley finished off a 50-yard scoring drive with a 1-yard TD run. Bentley hit Bryan Edwards with a pretty, 23-yard scoring pass on the next series and the Gamecocks were on their way to their 17th straight victory over Wofford (9-2).

South Carolina had not won eight games in a season since 2013, the last of three consecutive 11-2 marks under former coach Steve Spurrier.

The Terriers made things interesting at the start of the third quarter on Blake Morgan’s 1-yard run that cut the lead to 14-10. But South Carolina responded with a touchdown drive ended by Bentley’s 1-yard run.

The sophomore quarterback leads South Carolina with six rushing touchdowns, all coming in the past four games. Bentley threw for 194 yards on 22 of 28 passing with no interceptions.

South Carolina’s defense did its part, too.

Besides his interception, Moore stopped Wofford’s Andre Stoddard short of a first down on fourth-and-1 with the Terriers driving in the third quarter. The Gamecocks held Wofford, which came in averaging 260 yards rushing, to 155 yards on the ground.

A.J. Turner finished South Carolina’s scoring with a 2-yard touchdown run in the final quarter.

THE TAKEAWAY

Wofford: The Terriers have their complex, option attack well-honed and ready to take on all FCS opponents when the NCAA playoffs begin next week. South Carolina’s speed on defense and athleticism proved too much to overcome. South Carolina linebacker Skai Moore had to twist and reach back for his interception, something the Terriers may not see all that much in the Southern Conference.

South Carolina: The Gamecocks threw their fans a scare early on after Wofford took a 3-0 lead and stopped South Carolina on fourth down. But the Gamecocks SEC talent gradually took control of the contest.

MOORE TIME

South Carolina linebacker Skai Moore’s second quarter interception was the 14th of his career, tying the school’s career record that Bo Davies has held since he got that many from 1969 to 1971. Moore is a senior who returned to the Gamecocks this season after missing last year because of neck fusion surgery.

UP NEXT

Wofford waits to see if it receives a bye to the FCS playoffs, meaning it could have next week off before starting postseason play.

South Carolina closes its regular season against state rival Clemson at home next Saturday night.