Mercer Prepares for Third Playoff Game in Program History

The Mercer Bears (10-2) host the Rhode Island Rams (11-2) in the NCAA FCS Second Round

MACON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – The Mercer Bears football program are preparing for their just their third playoff game in program history. After getting the SOCON Championship against Furman two weeks ago, the Bears come off their bye week rested and ready for their NCAA FCS Second Round Matchup with Rhode Island.

The 11-2 Rams are coming off their close 21-17 win over Central Connecticut State in the first round last Saturday and now face a similar Mercer team that likes to run the ball, control the line of scrimmage and lean on their defense, proven by the similar rushing lines between the two teams both having a little over 2000 total yards on the ground.

Mercer Head Coach Mike Jacobs said Monday he is proud of how far the team has come, and is excited to get back on the field at Five Star Stadium Saturday at 2 p.m., where he says the key to success will be which defense can stop the run, and which offense doesn’t turn the ball over.

“I had the unique opportunity when I was up at Notre Dame College to be the first to do a bunch of things there. First time to be ranked, first time to win a conference championship,
first time to win a playoff game. So, to be a part of Mercer’s first Southern Conference title, since they’ve joined the league, its something really special” said Coach Jacobs Monday.

“The biggest thing for us, ad nauseam for these guys, is just our practice habits. Our habits have to exceed our goals as a program. Showing up well rested, then having to go to work, like this week,
and really have elite focus on what we are doing because as the season goes on longer, you try to find moments where you can take the clang and the bang off of them,
as long as they are dialed in mentally, we got a team that’s chomping at the bit, they are ready to play, and anytime you are in a close contest, and you have overcome adversity,
whether its in-season or in an individual play, or game, you develop callus’, you know you can do it.”