Mercer Eyes SoCon Title, Homecoming Win Against Chattanooga
MACON, Ga. – Mercer university football will host Chattanooga Saturday afternoon with a SoCon championship and Homecoming party on the line. The Bears, boasting the Southern Conference’s highest-scoring offense, aim to secure thier second outright SoCon title in program history against a Mocs team surging into the matchup with four wins in their last five games. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Five Star Stadium and will be broadcast live on ESPN+.
Mercer’s offense is averaging over 50 points in its last three contests and has dipped below 38 points only once this season when starting quarterback Braden Atkinson ’29 is under center. chattanooga, meanwhile, has found success with freshman quarterback Battle Alberson, who took over for injured starter Camden Orth in a 45-28 victory over Furman University, rushing for 85 yards and avoiding sacks against a strong Paladins defensive line.
The bears’ potent passing attack will face a Chattanooga defense navigating a season impacted by injuries. Conversely, the Mocs’ SoCon-leading rushing attack – first in yards per carry and second in total rushing yards – will challenge Mercer’s stout run defense, which allows less than 80 rushing yards per game, the best in the conference. Chattanooga employs a split backfield featuring Justus Durant and Ryan Ingram, complemented by Alberson’s dual-threat capabilities.
The historic rivalry between Mercer and Chattanooga dates back to 1909, with the Mocs currently holding a 22-12-1 overall series advantage. However, recent matchups have been tightly contested, with Mercer scoring a combined 20 points in its last two games against Chattanooga.
“We have a lot to play for,” Head Coach Mike jacobs stated at Monday’s press conference. ”I’d love to see Five Star packed. It’s supposed to be 77 and sunny. We need everybody here because this isn’t just a ‘Hey,we’re finishing off the year.’ We’ve got a lot to play for still.”
Jacobs emphasized the importance of fan support, adding, “Our guys will be ready to roll, but we need all the support we can get to play a realy talented Chattanooga team who are much better than their record right now indicates.” Mercer hopes to build on its momentum, lock up a home playoff game, and celebrate Homecoming with a victory.
