No. 18 Mercer will face Furman University at Five Star Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 12, in the third and final game of the Bears’ three-game homestand and their Southern Conference opener.
The matchup between Mercer and Furman dates back more than a century, making the matchup a notable SoCon rivalry. Although the Paladins hold a 12-10-2 edge in the series, the Bears have had the upper hand of late, winning the last two, including a 52-28 victory a year ago in Greenville, S.C.
Furman’s rushing attack could present a different challenge for Mercer than last game's matchup against Presbyterian College, despite the Paladins’ offensive struggles against in their last game against an SEC opponent in the University of Tennessee. Furman boasts a four-pronged rushing attack that is averaging nearly six yards a carry this season.
Mercer’s defense will especially need to account for Furman running back Isaiah Davis, who is averaging more than 12 yards per carry this season. The Bear will look to carry defensive momentum after holding Presbyterian to just 105 rushing yards in their last outing.
The Paladin's air attack is led by quarterback Jake Garcia, who has struggled this season, completing only 51% of his passes while not passing for a single touchdown thus far. The Paladins will rely heavily on their defense as well as their methodical rushing attack to wear the Bears down.
Mercer enters Saturday’s matchup after a dominant offensive and defensive performance in their 62-3 win over Presbyterian College last Saturday.
Aiden Holewski ‘26, Kehinde Akintunde ‘27 and Aaryn Askew ‘30 each recorded a sack, while Jyarius Carter ‘26, fifth-year Delano Marcelus and Ronin Dangler ‘30 led Mercer with seven tackles apiece. The Bears also forced a fumble and blocked a punt in the victory, giving the defense several opportunities to set up the offense.
Offensively, Devon Caldwell ‘30 led the rushing attack with 152 yards and an 83-yard touchdown, while Jaylen King ‘27 added two rushing touchdowns. King was also efficient through the air, completing 12 of 15 passes for 236 yards and four touchdowns without an interception.
Brayden Smith ‘29 caught five passes for 132 yards, including a 51-yard scoring reception in the first quarter, bringing his season total up to 263 yards, nearly quadruple Mercer's second leading receiver, Eric Rasheed '27. Smith's deep-ball ability will put him in a matchup with Furman's top safety, freshman Braylon Peebles, who has two pass breakups and 12 tackles in his two games. Neutralizing Smith's ability to stretch the field will be key for the Paladins.
A win for Mercer will involve maintaining the balance that has fueled its 2-0 start. The Bears have shown they can move the ball both on the ground and through the air, but Furman’s ability to control the clock with its rushing attack could test Mercer’s defense that proved shaky in the Bears' opening matchup.
With SoCon play beginning and a century-old rivalry on the line, Mercer will look to use its recent success against the Paladins to open conference play with another victory and fend off Furman from the SoCon crown. Kickoff begins at 6 p.m. from Five Star Stadium.
Kaylee Grace Buchanan '29 is double majoring in Criminal Justice and Psychology with an minor in Religion. When not writing, she enjoys reading, baking and playing tennis. You can also catch her on the pickleball courts jamming out to some music as well.
