Mercer dominates Furman 52–28 behind Atkinson’s big day
GREENVILLE, S.C. — Braden Atkinson threw for 426 yards and four touchdowns as Mercer rolled past Furman 52–28 on Saturday afternoon at Paladin Stadium, keeping the Bears unbeaten in Southern Conference play.
Atkinson completed 28 of 49 passes with no interceptions, spreading the ball to eight different receivers. Adonis McDaniel caught seven passes for 139 yards and a score, while Adjatay Dabbs added six receptions for 117 yards and a touchdown. Running back C.J. Miller also had a big day for Mercer, rushing for 111 yards and two touchdowns and adding an 18-yard touchdown reception.
After falling behind 13–0 in the first quarter, Mercer (7–1, 6–0 SoCon) scored 31 unanswered points to take control before halftime. The Bears led 24–13 at the break and stretched their advantage to 45–28 by the end of the third quarter.
Furman (5–4, 3–3) struggled to sustain drives, managing just 227 yards of total offense compared to Mercer’s 628. Quarterback Trey Hedden went 12-for-18 for 155 yards, two touchdowns and one interception, connecting with Evan James on a 14-yard score and Ja’Keith Hamilton on a 64-yard strike. C.J. Nettles provided the Paladins’ lone rushing touchdown with a 67-yard burst in the first quarter.
Mercer’s offense proved nearly unstoppable, averaging 8.7 yards per pass attempt and 5.1 yards per rush. The Bears finished with 36 first downs to Furman’s eight and did not allow a sack.
The win keeps Mercer atop the SoCon standings with two conference games remaining. Furman, meanwhile, will travel to Chattanooga on November 8th for a noon kick.