**Mercer Edges Western Carolina 49-47 to Win Southern Conference Title**
CULLOWHEE, N.C. (AP) — Braden Atkinson threw three touchdown passes and CJ Miller ran for three scores as Mercer defeated Western Carolina 49-47 on Saturday in a thrilling shootout to claim the Southern Conference title.
With the victory, Mercer clinched the SoCon’s automatic bid into the FCS playoffs.
Reice Griffith’s 37-yard field goal gave the Bears their 49-47 lead with 1:30 remaining. Western Carolina’s Taron Dickens then drove the Catamounts to the 15-yard line with just 3 seconds left. Marcus Trout’s 33-yard field goal attempt on the final play missed, sealing the thrilling win for Mercer.
Dickens threw seven touchdown passes, including three in the fourth quarter as the Catamounts twice rallied from a 12-point deficit. They took a 47-46 lead on his final touchdown pass, a 42-yarder to James Tyre, but failed on the two-point conversion that would have extended their lead to three points.
The sophomore quarterback completed 33 of 49 passes for an impressive 551 yards. Earlier this season, Dickens set a career-high with 528 yards and six touchdown passes against Samford.
For Mercer (8-1, 7-0), who are tied for 10th in the FCS coaches poll, Malik Knight caught passes for 141 yards and scored twice. Atkinson was 23-for-39 passing for 443 yards.
Western Carolina (6-4, 5-1), ranked 24th in the FCS poll, edged Mercer in total yards 599-568. Adjatay Dabbs had 147 receiving yards, while Miller ran for 91 yards.
It was a high-scoring, hard-fought battle that ultimately gave Mercer the Southern Conference crown and a ticket to the playoffs.
https://sports.yahoo.com/article/atkinson-leads-mercer-49-47-010958785.html
About the Author
