Weather Wins FCS Kickoff; Mercer, UC Davis Battle To “No Contest”

Saturday, August 23

Montgomery, Ala.

7 p.m.

Mercer University

#7 UC Davis

Weather Wins FCS Kickoff; Mercer, UC Davis Battle To “No Contest”

8/23/2025 7:00:00 PM | Football

By: Todd Anderson, anderson_t02@mercer.edu

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Eleventh-ranked Mercer nearly battled all the way back from a 23-3 third-quarter deficit, but intermittent lightning and heavy rain officially tabbed the 11^th Annual FCS Kickoff as a "no contest". All statistics from the contest have been voided as well.

Seventh-ranked UC Davis used a blocked punt and an ensuing safety to extend its lead out to 23-3 with 9:11 left to play in the third period, but the Bears used a 69-yard run from newcomer Autavius Ison four minutes later, as well as a 1-yard plunge from senior quarterback DJ Smith at the end of the quarter, make it a 23-17 game.

Mercer set itself up with a 1^st-and-10 situation at the UC Davis 48-yard line with 7:46 left to play when game officials cleared the stadium due to lightning in the area.

The Bears are back in action again on August 30 when they take on Presbyterian as part of Teacher Appreciation Night at Five Star Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. and tickets can be purchased by visiting MercerBears.com/Tickets.