Mercer drops season opener to The Citadel, 24-23

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A late field goal from The Citadel’s Cody Clark lifted the No. 15 Bulldogs to a 24-23 season-opening win Thursday at Mercer’s Five Star Stadium.

The Bulldogs (1-0, 1-0 Southern Conference) started quickly, scoring on their second play to take a 7-o lead. They led 21-3 in the second quarter when Mercer  scored its first touchdown, a 38-yard quarterback keeper by John Russ.

Trailing 21-10 in the second quarter, Russ completed a 47-yard pass to Avery Ward to The Citadel 1-yard line before running in for the score on the following play. After the extra point, the Bulldogs led 21-20.

In the third quarter, Cole Fisher’s third field goal of the night gave Mercer (0-1, 0-1 SoCon) a 23-21 lead, but Clark’s kick with less than three minutes to go gave the lead back to the Bulldogs.

Russ was picked off on the Bears’ final possession. He finished 15-25 for 172 yards, adding 74 yards via 10 carries on the ground. Payton Usher led Mercer’s ground game with 89 yards on 10 carries. Marquise Irvin caught eight passes for 81 yards.

Tyler Renew led the Bulldogs with 146 yards on 27 carries.

Mercer visits Georgia Tech next Saturday.