UTC defeats Mercer, 52-31

UTC quarterback Alejandro Bennifield passes during the Mocs' home football game against the Samford Bulldogs at Finley Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016, in Chattanooga, Tenn.
UTC quarterback Alejandro Bennifield passes during the Mocs' home football game against the Samford Bulldogs at Finley Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016, in Chattanooga, Tenn.

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The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga used a dominating effort on both sides of the ball to jump out to a 35-point halftime and defeat Mercer 52-31 on homecoming weekend at Finley Stadium.

The third-ranked Mocs, who improve to 6-0 for the first time since 1968, will travel to ninth-ranked The Citadel (5-0) in a battle of the 2015 co-Southern Conference champions and the two lone undefeated teams in the league.

The Mocs finished with 532 yards of total offense, showing balance with 274 yards rushing and 258 yards passing. Derrick Craine had 160 yards rushing - 151 in the first half - before suffering an ankle injury early in the third quarter. He did not return but was seen stretching and running on the UTC sideline moments after being checked out.

Alejandro Bennifield had 258 yards passing and four touchdowns, and added 24 yards rushing and a third-quarter score.

The Mocs scored on each of their six first-half possessions. Bennifield had touchdowns to tight ends Malcolm Colvin and Bailey Lenoir, and receivers Xavier Borishade and C.J. Board. Craine added an impressive 54-yard touchdown run in which he broke six tackles as the Mocs built a 38-3 halftime lead.

The UTC defense limited Mercer to five first downs and 65 yards of total offense in the first half.

Montrell Pardue had a 29-yard interception return for his second career touchdown.

Nakevion Leslie had 13 tackles for the Mocs. Pardue had eight, while Dale Warren had five plus his first career interception.

Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com. Follow him at twitter.com/genehenleytfp.

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