Game Preview: No. 16 Mercer Visits Gardner-Webb

MACON, Ga. –  The Bears close out non-conference play with a trip to Boiling Springs, North Carolina to play Gardner-Webb. Kickoff Saturday is set for 6 p.m.
 
GAME DAY INFORMATION
» Date | Time: Saturday, Sept. 24 | 6 p.m.
» Teams: Mercer (2-1, 1-0) at Gardner-Webb (1-2, 0-0)
» Location: Boiling Springs, N.C. | Spangler Stadium (8,500) 
» Television: ESPN+
» Television Talent:  Phil Constantino (PxP), Reginald Walker Jr. (Analyst)
» Radio: Mercer Sports Network | 100.9 The Creek FM | SportsMic
» Radio Talent: Rick Cameron (PxP), Bryce Koon (Analyst), Charles Davis (Sideline)
» Live Stats: StatBroadcast
» Twitter Updates: @MercerFootball
 
QUICK FACTS

This is the first ever meeting between Mercer and Gardner-Webb.
Gardner-Webb head coach Tre Lamb spent four seasons (2014-17) as the quarterbacks coach at Mercer.
Mercer wide receiver Devron Harper played two seasons at Gardner Webb (2019-21) before transferring to Mercer.
Each offense ranks in the top-20 in the FCS in third-down conversion percentage with the Bears converting more than 50 percent of their third downs.
Both teams set or tied a school record in its opening game of the season. Gardner-Webb tied a school record with eight rushing touchdowns in its win over Limestone. Mercer set a school-record for total yards in a game with 625 total yards in its win over Morehead State.

SCOUTING GARDNER-WEBB

Gardner-Webb is led by head coach Tre Lamb who is in his third season as head coach of the Runnin' Bulldogs. The Bulldogs are coming off a 4-7, 2-5 (Big South) season in 2021.
Gardner-Webb has one of the more potent offenses in the country led by quarterback Bailey Fisher. The pre-season All Big South selection threw for 403 yards against FBS opponent Coastal Carolina in week 2.
The Bulldogs rank 21^st in the FCS in points per game (35.7).
Gardner-Webb wide receiver TJ Luther leads the nation with an average of 30.0 yards per catch through three games. He had 188 yards receiving in Gardner-Webb's loss at Coastal Carolina.
Gardner-Webb also has a talented running back in Narii Gaither. The Rock HIll, S.C., native is a preseason FCS All-America choice as an all-purpose back and is one of only two men in the nation returning after leading his team in both rushing yards and receptions last season.

BEARS' DEFENSE LOOKING TO BUILD ON LAST WEEK

Last week Mercer's defense shutout The Citadel in a 17-0 win at home.
The defense held one of the best rushing attacks in the FCS to just 92 rushing yards and 152 total yards of offense on the day.
Isaac Dowling equaled his career high with 17 tackles (6 solo) last week. The sophomore linebacker also tallied 2.5 tackles for loss, including a sack.

TY JAMES AMONG NATION LEADERS IN RECEIVING

Wide receiver Ty James has emerged as a favorite target for quarterback Fred Payton. James is second in the FCS in receiving yards with 372 yards and is tied for the lead in receiving touchdowns with 5.
James scored both touchdowns for the Bears in last week's win over The Citadel.
James was named FCS Offensive Player of the Week for his week 0 performance against Morehead State. In the game, James had 5 receptions for 192 receiving yards and three touchdowns all in the first half.

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.

Game Preview: No. 16 Mercer Visits Gardner-Webb

Players Mentioned

Isaac Dowling

Devron Harper

Ty James

Fred Payton

Footer

Mercer University Athletics

Game Preview: No. 16 Mercer Visits Gardner-Webb

Players Mentioned

Isaac Dowling

Devron Harper

Ty James

Fred Payton

Related Videos

Sponsors

Footer