Mercer uses timely turnovers and long kick returns to secure win over The Citadel

Mercer picked up an important 34-7 win over The Citadel behind a big day from defense and special teams.

The win allows the Bears to keep pace in the Southern Conference title race. The Bears came into the game tied at the top of the conference with Chattanooga, VMI and ETSU.

Mercer’s offense got off to a rocky start and punted on its first two drives of the game and gained just 32 yards. The Citadel opened up the scoring on 48-yard touchdown from Jaylen Adams to Tyler Cherry.

On the following drive, the Bears put together a long drive, but it ended when wide receiver Ty James slipped on a deep pass allowing Chris Beverly to intercept the Fred Payton pass. But the Mercer defense came up with a quick three-and-out.

Devron Harper took the punt return back inside The Citadel’s 10-yard line to set up the Bears with their first score of the game with 3:12 left in the first half.

Mercer defender Richie Coffey came up with the biggest play of the first half, knocking the ball free on the ensuing drive to set up Fred Davis for his second touchdown of the game.

The Bears scored two touchdowns in the final three minutes of the first half to give Mercer a 14-7 halftime lead.

The second half turned into a defensive slugfest as neither offense could put together a sustained drive until the Bears added a field goal from Devin Folser with five minutes left in the third quarter.

Neither team scored again until five minutes left in the fourth quarter when Folser nailed his second field goal from inside 25 yards.

The floodgates opened as Lance Wise came up with a pick-6 on a Jaylen Adams pass to put Mercer up 27-7 late in the fourth quarter.

After a turnover on downs, Mercer’s Tayshaun Shipp broke loose for a 72-yard touchdown. Mercer forced a fumble on the ensuing kickoff and ran out the clock out for the victory.

The Mercer defense forced three turnovers in the game with two of them leading to points. On special teams, Mercer got a pair of 50-yard returns from Devron Harper, one on a punt and another on a kickoff to open the second half.

The Bears have matchups against Chattanooga and ETSU left on the schedule following a bye week next week. Wins in both of those games could give Mercer its first SoCon title since the program joined the conference in 2014.

Three stars

Fred Davis, Mercer RB: He was once against the focal point of the offense with 15 carries for 90 yards and a pair of scores. Davis continues to be the workhorse back this season and is a big part of why Mercer continues to win games.

If Mercer wins a SoCon title it will likely be because No. 5 played a big part in getting them there. Davis also had a pair of catches out of the backfield for 16 yards. On a windy day in Charleston, Davis served as a safety valve for Payton, who only threw the ball 16 times.

Richie Coffey, Mercer DB: He came up with arguably the biggest play of the game when he forced the fumble in the first half. Coffey also came up with a key sack that forced The Citadel to settle for a field goal that went wide. Coffey tied for the team lead with 10 tackles and had a pair of tackles for a loss.

Devron Harper, Mercer WR/KR: The only thing that could stop Harper on Saturday was the official on the field. Harper nearly broke the opening kickoff of the second half for a score but the referee couldn’t get out of the way in time and they collided. Harper settled for a 52-yard return.

Harper’s ability to impact the game as both a receiver and kick returner was on full display against The Citadel. He finished with four catches for 65 yards and a pair of 50-plus-yard returns. While he didn’t find the end zone, he was a key to the Bears’ scoring.

They said it:

“It was a tough, hard fought, close game. We were able to separate at the end. All three phases contributed. I’m proud of our kids.” -Mercer head coach Drew Cronic on the win.

“There is no time off. We have to stay locked in mentally.” - Mercer wide receiver Devron Harper on the upcoming bye week.

“We control our own destiny. A win like that means we can control our destiny the next few weeks. It was just big to stay in win column.” -Mercer defensive back Lance Wise on staying in the title hunt.

What’s next?

Mercer is has an open week before a showdown with Chattanooga. The Bears will get a chance to rest up before what could be the biggest game this season. A win over Chattanooga would likely set up a scenario where a win over ETSU in the final game of the year puts Mercer in the FCS playoffs. But a loss to Chattanooga likely takes the opportunity away from the Bears.

This story was originally published October 30, 2021 at 6:02 PM.