Mercer defense puts clamps on Furman in 24-3 win
GREENVILLE, N.C. -- — Brandon Marshall ran for a pair of scores and Fred Payton threw for another and Mercer controlled Furman 24-3 in a Southern Conference opener on Saturday.
Payton threw a 35-yard touchdown to Ty James to complete a nine-play, 75-yard drive that put Mercer (2-1, 1-0) ahead 7-3. Marshall added touchdown runs of 10 and 1 yards in the second quarter for an 18-point lead.
Fred Davis added 94 yards on the ground with 18 carries for Mercer.
The Bears' defense stymied Furman (2-2, 0-1) quarterbacks Hamp Sisson who threw three interceptions and backup Jace Wilson who threw a pick.
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Game Information
2023 Southern Conference Standings
| Team | CONF | OVR |
|---|---|---|
| Furman | 7-1 | 10-3 |
| Chattanooga | 6-2 | 8-5 |
| Mercer | 6-2 | 9-4 |
| Western Carolina | 5-3 | 7-4 |
| Samford | 4-4 | 6-5 |
| VMI | 4-4 | 5-6 |
| East Tennessee State | 2-6 | 3-8 |
| Wofford | 2-6 | 2-9 |
| The Citadel | 0-8 | 0-11 |
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