UTC (2-3, 1-0 SoCon) at MERCER (2-3, 1-1)
Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019
4 p.m. at Five Star Stadium in Macon, Georgia
VIDEO & RADIO
ESPN+ & 97.7 FM/1070 AM
THE MATCHUP
Mercer has won the only two meetings between these Southern Conference football programs at Five Star Stadium and has captured three of the five games in the series. The Bears have a balanced offense led by former McCallie quarterback Robert Riddle. The redshirt sophomore has thrown for 1,093 yards and 13 touchdowns (fifth most in the Football Championship Subdivision this season), running backs Deondre Johnson and Tyray Devezin have combined for 704 yards and Tucker Cannon leads the receivers with 326 yards. However, Riddle will be without favorite target David Durden, who was injured two weeks ago. The Mercer defense, which has allowed an average of 32 points per game, is led by linebacker Will Coneway (team-leading 48 tackles) and linemen Dorian Kithcart and Jack Raines, who have combined for 8.5 tackles for loss.
ONE TO WATCH
Containing Riddle is the key for the Mocs. Mobile quarterbacks have been problematic for them this season, not so much in rushing yards but in being able to extend plays. Campbell held Riddle to 11-of-21 passing for 125 yards and forced two interceptions in last week’s win over Mercer. The Mocs have only five sacks this year, so they must create a pass rush. If they do, Riddle will force some throws and the secondary can possibly add to his nine interceptions in 2019.
IN THE END
The Mocs, behind their strong offensive line, will establish the run early and finally get their passing game going. Turnovers are likely to play a major part in the outcome. The Mocs have forced eight and Mercer has given the ball away 13 times in five games. The Mocs have turned it over 10 times, including eight interceptions, and Mercer has seven takeaways.
PREDICTION
UTC 37, Mercer 34
Contact Lindsey Young at lyoung@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6296. Follow him on Twitter @youngsports22.