Mercer dominates in all facets, defeats Princeton 34-7
MACON, Ga. -- — Brayden Smith returned a punt for a touchdown, TJ Moore intercepted a program-record three passes and Mercer toppled Princeton 34-7 on Saturday.
Smith returned a punt 49 yards for the game's first touchdown and a 10-0 Mercer lead in the first quarter. Later in the first, Mercer's Isaac Dowling sacked Blaine Hipa on a potential flea-flicker, and an ensuing fumble careened into the end zone before being recovered by Brayden Dudley for a touchdown.
Mercer outgained the Tigers 376-196 in total yards, but the Bears did not score a touchdown on offense until the fourth quarter when Dwayne McGee, who had 115 rushing yards, scored on a 1-yard run for a 27-7 lead.
Freshman quarterback Whitt Newbauer added a 1-yard touchdown run for the final score.
Newbauer and starter Hess Horne combined for 16-of-28 passing for 195 yards for the Bears (FCS No. 7, 6-0). Horne was intercepted once.
Smith had 134 yards on three punt returns with a long of 64 yards.
Ethan Clark had a 1-yard run for Princeton's only score. He had a game-high 117 yards rushing for the Tigers (1-3).
Hipa was 8-for-21 passing for 109 yards and was intercepted four times.
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Game Information
2024 Ivy League Standings
2024 Southern Conference Standings
Team | CONF | OVR |
---|---|---|
Mercer | 6-1 | 9-2 |
Western Carolina | 5-2 | 6-5 |
Chattanooga | 5-3 | 6-5 |
East Tennessee State | 4-3 | 6-5 |
Samford | 3-3 | 4-6 |
The Citadel | 3-5 | 5-6 |
Wofford | 3-5 | 5-6 |
Furman | 2-4 | 3-7 |
VMI | 1-6 | 1-10 |