D.J. Smith leads Mercer to victory over The Citadel 38-21
- Mercer quarterback D.J. Smith accounted for four touchdowns, leading his team to a 38-21 victory over The Citadel.
- The game featured a pivotal moment when Tyrell Coard scored just before halftime, followed by a pick-6 by TJ Moore.
- With this win, Mercer improved to 4-0 overall and 2-0 in the Southern Conference.
On Saturday in Macon, Georgia, Mercer University faced off against The Citadel in a Southern Conference matchup. The game was tightly contested in the first half, with both teams tied at 14 points. However, Mercer gained momentum just before halftime when Tyrell Coard scored on an 11-yard run, capping an impressive 75-yard drive. Shortly after, TJ Moore intercepted a pass from The Citadel's quarterback, Johnathan Bennett, and returned it for a touchdown, extending Mercer's lead to 28-14. In the second half, The Citadel attempted to close the gap with a 1-yard touchdown run by Garrison Johnson, making the score 28-21. However, D.J. Smith, the standout quarterback for Mercer, responded decisively by scoring another touchdown on a 20-yard run, solidifying Mercer's advantage. Smith's performance was remarkable, as he threw for 253 yards, completing 20 of 25 passes, and also contributed significantly on the ground with 76 rushing yards. Dwayne McGee also played a crucial role for Mercer, rushing for 94 yards on 17 carries. In contrast, The Citadel's Bennett struggled, throwing for 336 yards but completing only 19 of 40 passes, which included a critical interception that led to a touchdown for Mercer. With this victory, Mercer improved its record to 4-0 overall and 2-0 in the Southern Conference, while The Citadel fell to 2-2 and 0-1 in conference play. The game showcased Mercer's offensive prowess and defensive resilience, setting a positive tone for the remainder of the season.