Brayden Smith leads Mercer to 10-3 victory over Chattanooga
- Brayden Smith scored the only touchdown of the game on a 9-yard run in the second quarter.
- Chattanooga managed to score a field goal, but Mercer extended their lead with another field goal in the second half.
- Mercer's defense held Chattanooga to just 19 yards rushing, leading to a 10-3 victory.
On Saturday, Mercer faced Chattanooga in a Southern Conference opener, where Brayden Smith made a significant impact by scoring the only touchdown of the game. His 9-yard end-around in the second quarter capped off an impressive 11-play, 82-yard drive, giving Mercer a 7-0 lead. Chattanooga responded with a 32-yard field goal from Jude Kelley, narrowing the score to 7-3 at halftime. The second half saw limited scoring, with Reice Griffith adding a 35-yard field goal for Mercer, extending their lead to 10-3. This field goal was set up by a crucial interception from Myles Redding, who made a diving catch of a tipped pass. Chattanooga attempted to mount a comeback, with Chase Artopoeus connecting on a 40-yard pass to Sam Phillips, bringing the Mocs to the Mercer 32-yard line. However, they were unable to convert on fourth down, turning the ball over to Mercer. In the final moments of the game, the Mocs regained possession but struggled to advance, ultimately failing to score again. With this victory, Mercer improved to a 3-0 record and is currently ranked 24th in the FCS coaches poll. In contrast, Chattanooga fell to 0-3, despite being ranked 16th. The Mocs had previously faced tough competition against FBS schools Tennessee and Georgia State, which may have contributed to their struggles in this matchup. The game highlighted Mercer’s strong defensive performance, limiting Chattanooga to just 19 yards rushing and showcasing their ability to capitalize on key opportunities, such as Redding's interception. This win sets a positive tone for Mercer as they continue their season in the Southern Conference.