Bears Run Past Wofford

Saturday, October 23

Macon, Ga.

6 p.m.

Mercer University

5-2 , 4-1

Wofford

1-6 , 0-5

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

WOF

MER

10/23/2021 10:03:00 PM | Football

Box Score

Mercer uses 31 unanswered to take down Terriers

By: Zach Durkee

MACON, Ga. – Following a disappointing performance a week ago versus VMI, Mercer changed the narrative with a dominant 45-14 win this Saturday at Five Star Stadium.

In what looked to be a back-and-forth battle after the visiting Wofford Terriers (1-6, 0-5 SoCon) recovered a fumble at midfield and returned it for a score to tie it at 14, Mercer (5-2, 4-1 SoCon) took over, and in a big way. The Bears defense never let the visitors from Spartanburg cross midfield again en route to securing the victory.

The Bears jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter with a 26-yard touchdown connection between Fred Payton and Ty James followed by an eight yard touchdown run by Fred Davis. The Terriers responded, posting 14 points of their own to even the score with 12:33 remaining in the second quarter. Mercer would not let the Terriers score for the final 42:33 of the game.

Though the Terriers were stopped from scoring, Mercer did not halt, tallying 31 unanswered points through the final three quarters of play. The onslaught on scoring began when Isaac Dowling recovered a fumble in the end zone for a defensive score. Devin Folser followed that up with a 29-yard field goal to send the Bears to half up 24-10.

Brandon Marshall started the second half for the Bears with a nine-yard touchdown reception from Fred Payton. Ty James followed that up with his second touchdown grab of the day, both being from 26 yards out.

Al Wooten II put an exclamation point on the win when he dashed his way to a 49-yard score to put the Bears up 45-14.

Mercer signal caller Fred Payton tossed 357 yards on 19 completions and three scores. Fred Davis paced the Bears' rushing attack with 91 yards on 18 carries and one trip to the endzone. Al Wooten added 79 yards via seven carries and also scored a touchdown. Ty James hauled in a pair of scores on five receptions that totaled 153 yards.

Isaac Dowling and Solomon Zubairu both had their hands in six tackles on the evening.

For the first time since restarting the program and joining the SoCon, Mercer defeated Wofford, and ultimately tied the series at seven games apiece.

Drew Cronic Quotables

Full Press Conference

On bouncing back from last week
"Well, I think it shows we have a championship mentality to bounce back like we did. We talked about all week that we aren't going to let one bad day carry over. These are the reasons we didn't play well last Saturday and let's get those things corrected. We were ready to play today, and we executed. I felt like all three phases were solid. We eliminate a couple turnovers and it's an even bigger win."

On the offensive balance displayed today
"We felt like we had some good matchups out there. Our offensive staff put together a good plan. With our offense we try to balance and take what they're giving you. We had great balance. We had more explosion plays in the passing game today. I've always said when we can execute in the passing game, we become very difficult to defend. Our kids made plays today."

Looking forward to next week against Citadel
"They provide a different challenge because of their style of offense because they're a hard-nosed, physical football team and our challenge this week is to match that. We have to prepare to do that and then do it. There's always another challenge ahead of you."

Offensive Star(s)
Ty James had a spectacular day. The Bears wide receiver tied a school record with two touchdown grabs and posted the second most receiving yards in a single game with 153. The school record is held by James when he received for 179 yards last year against Furman. Fred Payton posted the second highest passing yards in a single game in program history, passing for 357 yards.

Defensive Star
Isaac Dowling tied for the team lead in tackles with six. His fumble recovery in the end zone broke the tie and led to 31 unanswered points by Mercer.

Stats That Matter
The Bears had 357 yards through the air and 210 yards on the ground for a total of 567 yards of offense. Mercer held the Terriers to 176 total yards, outgaining Wofford by 391 yards. The Bears victory over Wofford marks the first time Mercer has taken down the Terriers in the modern era.

Notables

The Bears start the season 4-1, which is the best SoCon start in program history.
Ty James had 153 receiving yards which is the second most in a single game in program history. His two touchdown receptions tied a program record.
Fred Payton tossed for 357 yards, the second most in a single game in program history.
This was the Bears first win against Wofford in the modern era and the first win over Wofford since 1941 when they beat the Terriers 20-14.
The overall series dating back to 1915 is now even at 7-7.
Fred Davis paced the rushing attack with 91 yards on the ground.
Isaac Dowling and Solomon Zubairu tied for the team lead with six tackles.
19 different Mercer players made a tackle.

Up Next
Next week, the Bears will travel to Charleston, South Carolina, to take on The Citadel in a pivotal SoCon clash. Kickoff from the Holy City is slated for 2 p.m.

Follow the Bears
For complete coverage of Mercer Football, please follow the Bears on social media at @MercerFootball (Twitter), /MercerFootball (Facebook) and @MercerFootball (Instagram) or visit the official home of Mercer Athletics at MercerBears.com.