Atkinson Crowned SoCon Offensive Player Of The Week

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Another 300+-yard passing day on the gridiron amid then-No. 19 Mercer's 38-14 victory at Princeton on Saturday was in the spotlight again on Monday when Braden Atkinson was tabbed as the Southern Conference Offensive Player of the Week.

Atkinson, a freshman from Rolesville, N.C, threw for 347 yards and three touchdowns on 27-of-42 passing with no interceptions. The signal caller completed passes to 11 different receivers on the afternoon, averaged 12.9 yards per completion and registered seven completions that resulted in gains of 15 or more yards. He tallied touchdown strikes of 2, 23 and 10 yards.

Atkinson has accumulated 1,515 passing yards and 16 touchdowns in five starts, completing 70.1 percent (122-of-174) with just four interceptions. His rookie display now includes a school record four 300+-passing yard performances, including season bests for both passing yards (365) and touchdowns (5) in MU's home win over Samford on October 4.

He currently ranks second among NCAA FCS quarterbacks with 303.0 passing yards per game, while also ranking in the top 5 of three other passing categories. He also ranks fifth, nationally, with 302.8 yards of total offense per game.

The Bears (5-1, 4-0 SoCon) will get a much-needed break from action on Saturday (bye week), but will resume their regular season schedule on October 25 when they take on SoCon rival VMI (1-5, 0-2) at Five Star Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.

Tickets are still available and can be purchased by visiting MercerBears.com/Tickets.

Atkinson Crowned SoCon Offensive Player Of The Week

Players Mentioned

Braden Atkinson

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