2023 Playoffs Round 1: Gardner-Webb @ Mercer

[Professor Chaos]

Games kicks off on Saturday 11/25 at 3PM ET and will be streaming on ESPN+. Winner goes to #1 South Dakota State.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53344928613_4bfcaea814_b.jpg

[MUMD]

Mercer drilled GW in 2022 45-14 in Boiling Springs, although that was a different Mercer QB. Mercer returned 20 starters from 2022 though. GW went on to win a playoff game before losing bad to W and M. No common opponents this year but GW beat UT Martin by 4 while Mercer beat Samford by 7 who beat Martin by 10. Of course that and $6 will get you a Starbucks.

[FUBeAR]

6 Pre-Professor’s Preview FunFacts about this game…

1) Gardner Webb’s Head Coach Tre (tray) Lamb https://gwusports.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/tre-lamb/891 is the nephew of Mercer’s former Head Coach, Bobby Lamb. The Runnin’ Bulldog’s Head Coach spent several years (2014-2017 or so) on the Coaching Staff at Mercer as the Quarterbacks Coach and some of that time as Passing Game Coordinator.

2) Devron Harper https://mercerbears.com/sports/football/roster/devron-harper/9501 , Mercer’s STAR WR/RS (#1 in FCS in combined PR’s & KoR’s), a native of Conyers, GA Georgia, transferred to Mercer from Gardner-Webb after his Freshman & Covid Spring Soph years in Boiling Springs, NC. He was named All-Big South at multiple positions that Spring. When Mercer played at Gardner-Webb in the Fall of 2022, Harper seemed to want to make sure his former Teammates had not forgotten him. In what would become a 45-14 Mercer rout, Harper scored a 66 yard Rushing TD on the 1st scrimmage play of the game. He went on to also catch 8 passes for 109 yards & 2TD’s. Some of those plays are included in the brief highlight video below…


https://youtu.be/rIGMUPK01P8?feature=shared

3) Dominique Davenport, G-W’s Co-Special Teams Coordinator and Running Back Coach, was part of the start-up Staff at Mercer. He began in the ‘practice year’ in 2012 and was the Bear’s Cornerbacks Coach through 2017.

4) Josh Reardon, G-W’s Defensive Coordinator, is another former Coach for the Mercer Bears. He Coached the Safeties in Macon in 2017 before moving to EKU and then G-W.

5) La’Donte Harris, Mercer’s Passing Game Coordinator and WR’s Coach, joined Mercer in 2017 from G-W, where he had been the WR Coach from 2013-2016.

6) Bennett Houston, Mercer’s Director of Football Operations, joined Mercer in 2020 after 3 years serving as G-W’s DFO & WR Coach.


These Teams are VERY familiar with one another. Should be a fantastic FCS Playoff game. Lord willin’ FUBeAR expects to be there live and in his furry person!

[caribbeanhen]

Good report FuBeaR

[Chalupa Batman]

I think this game is going to be closer than most people think, but ultimately the home team should win by 7-10 points.

[FUBeAR]

https://twitter.com/MercerFootball/status/1726303677504504032

[Catamount87]

5 Pre-Professor’s Preview FunFacts about this game…

1) Gardner Webb’s Head Coach Tre (tray) Lamb https://gwusports.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/tre-lamb/891 is the nephew of Mercer’s former Head Coach, Bobby Lamb. The Runnin’ Bulldog’s Head Coach spent several years (2014-2017 or so) on the Coaching Staff at Mercer as the Quarterbacks Coach and some of that time as Passing Game Coordinator.

2) Devron Harper https://mercerbears.com/sports/football/roster/devron-harper/9501 , Mercer’s STAR WR/RS (#1 in FCS in combined PR’s & KoR’s), a native of Conyers, GA Georgia, transferred to Mercer from Gardner-Webb after his Freshman & Covid Spring Soph years in Boiling Springs, NC. He was named All-Big South at multiple positions that Spring. When Mercer played at Gardner-Webb in the Fall of 2022, Harper seemed to want to make sure his former Teammates had not forgotten him. In what would become a 45-14 Mercer rout, Harper scored a 66 yard Rushing TD on the 1st scrimmage play of the game. He went on to also catch 8 passes for 109 yards & 2TD’s. Some of those plays are included in the brief highlight video below…


https://youtu.be/rIGMUPK01P8?feature=shared

3) Dominique Davenport, G-W’s Co-Special Teams Coordinator and Running Back Coach, was part of the start-up Staff at Mercer. He began in the ‘practice year’ in 2012 and was the Bear’s Cornerbacks Coach through 2017.

4) Josh Reardon, G-W’s Defensive Coordinator, is another former Coach for the Mercer Bears. He Coached the Safeties in Macon in 2017 before moving to EKU and then G-W.

5) La’Donte Harris, Mercer’s Passing Game Coordinator and WR’s Coach, joined Mercer in 2017 from G-W, where he had been the WR Coach from 2013-2016.

These Teams are VERY familiar with one another. Should be a fantastic FCS Playoff game. Lord willin’ FUBeAR expects to be there live and in his furry person!

FUBeAR, first, congrats to your Bears they've knocked on the door a few times and finally got in.

Second, several weeks ago you criticized the Bears where if I recall correctly, you questioned their scheme. Credit to them because ever since then they've played exceptionally well! (Are you secretly a FB consultant to the Bears behind the scenes. LOL!)

Third, what are your thoughts on your seeding? Honestly, I was worried about getting slotted here with The Cats but after laying that egg at VMI I didn't have to worry anymore.

Lastly, my thoughts, Mercer pulls away in the late stages of the 3rd quarter.

[Professor Chaos]

Matchup breakdown added to the first post of the thread.

[dbackjon]

Mercer without a problem

[FUBeAR]

FUBeAR, first, congrats to your Bears they've knocked on the door a few times and finally got in. Second, several weeks ago you criticized the Bears where if I recall correctly, you questioned their scheme. Credit to them because ever since then they've played exceptionally well! (Are you secretly a FB consultant to the Bears behind the scenes. LOL!) Third, what are your thoughts on your seeding? Honestly, I was worried about getting slotted here with The Cats but after laying that egg at VMI I didn't have to worry anymore. Lastly, my thoughts, Mercer pulls away in the late stages of the 3rd quarter.

So many questions…FUBeAR is starting to feel impotent … um … important… one of those … maybe both.

THANKS - Knew FUBeAR shouldn’t have watched the Selection Show in a dusty room filled with pet dander and such high-allergen plants. Caused Mrs. FUBeAR to make fun of him….again.

Anyway - yes - via online communication, intercranial thought transmission, and Facebook Messaging Coaches’ wives recipes and O-Line schemes, FUBeAR consults for multiple FCS Teams. Have your Teams’ OL Coach’s wife DM FUBeAR and we can put y’all on a program.

Honestly, FUBeAR loves the ‘draw’ for Mercer.

Familiarity with the opponent should take away a lot of the 1st time Playoff jitters. If a Team like Southern Illinois or Richmond were coming to Macon, could see some early tightness that shouldn’t be present playing at home this Saturday.

G-W is NOT the same Team that Mercer boat-raced last year. The Bears will have to play the D they have been playing, execute at a high level on O, and avoid catastrophic special teams plays to have a chance to go SHOCK THE WORLD.

FUBeAR loves that with a win, Mercer gets to go to SDSU and play #1.

Nothing to lose. Playing in a HUGE game with House Money. Other seeds are certainly more ‘beatable,’ but let’s start at the top.

Papa FUBeAR taught FUBeAR that if he ever got ‘jumped’ by a gang, pick out the biggest, baddest MF’er in the crowd and punch him right in the mouth to get things rolling. Do that job well and the rest of the gang may re-think their position.

IF Mercer can get past G-W, they get to take that swing at the biggest, baddest MF’er. If they miss…they will know how high the bar is going forward.

No issues with Mercer’s draw. Excited about it.

[Professor Chaos]

https://twitter.com/MercerFootball/status/1726303677504504032
That's awesome! Seeing stuff like this is why I get irritated when people complain about too many teams in the FCS playoffs and them being watered down and all that. There's nothing like playoff football IMO and the more teams that can experience it the better. Teams like Mercer probably don't have a realistic shot at a national title but once they get invited to the dance they go down on their own terms and no one else's and that's what sports should be all about. Good for Mercer and hopefully they make some noise this week and beyond.

[rtzlunar]

That's awesome! Seeing stuff like this is why I get irritated when people complain about too many teams in the FCS playoffs and them being watered down and all that. There's nothing like playoff football IMO and the more teams that can experience it the better. Teams like Mercer probably don't have a realistic shot at a national title but once they get invited to the dance they go down on their own terms and no one else's and that's what sports should be all about. Good for Mercer and hopefully they make some noise this week and beyond.

Now why do you want to say that about FUBeAR’s 3rd place SoCon Bears? You’re just trying to stir the pot. 😂😂😂

[wapiti]

Prediction:
GW 20 Mercer 38

[FUBeAR]

Now why do you want to say that about 3rd place SoCon Bears?
Which is better…

A) Tied for 2nd Officially
Know in your heart that you’re the 3rd best Team
Able to lie to yourself that you are the ‘solely 2nd place Team, unofficially’ to try to make yourself feel better

OR

B) Tied for 2nd Officially
Know in your heart that you’re the 2nd best Team
No need to pose. The Official Standings and your heart tell the truth

FUBeAR votes for B.

[Karl Havoc]

Mercer is favored by 3.5.

[rtzlunar]

Which is better…

A) Tied for 2nd Officially
Know in your heart that you’re the 3rd best Team
Able to lie to yourself that you are the ‘solely 2nd place Team, unofficially’ to try to make yourself feel better

OR

B) Tied for 2nd Officially
Know in your heart that you’re the 2nd best Team
No need to pose. The Official Standings and your heart tell the truth

FUBeAR votes for B.

OR

C) Chattanooga 22, Mercer 10

Just messing with you. Mercer had the better season. Congratulations and good luck Saturday!

[FUBeAR]

Never seen a Runnin' Bulldog around these parts, but they do have a Message Board - https://gardnerwebbfans.proboards.com/board/2/football - Maybe FUBeAR will pay' em a visit and invite 'em over.

[rahendricks148]

Should be a great game but pulling for my Dawgs! What an amazing job Tre has done at GWU. I think it’s going to be a close one!

[rahendricks148]

Should be a great game but pulling for my Dawgs! What an amazing job Tre has done at GWU. I think itÂ’s going to be a close one!

[The Cats]

I'm all in for the SoCon teams, in spite of Foobear. Go Mercer, take care of the dogs...

[Milktruck74]

This is the first time this has ever happened...and going forward, prolly once a year..... GO BEARS!!!!!

[Milktruck74]

or once every few years...

[OrangeAndBlack]

It's 14-7 Mercer at the half. This G-Webb team is very likable. I want to hate them, but they play the game well. Their program is moving in the right direction. I just hope Mercer can hang on against them!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJifUMMYPJI
http://i.imgur.com/B5sG4d7.mp4 (https://imgur.com/B5sG4d7)
https://i.imgur.com/B5sG4d7.mp4

[OrangeAndBlack]

This was NOT called a touchback, and instead downed the ball at the 1 foot line.

https://i.imgur.com/M5qH6YH.jpg

[Chalupa Batman]

This was NOT called a touchback, and instead downed the ball at the 1 foot line.

https://i.imgur.com/M5qH6YH.jpg

In college it’s all about whether or not the ball crosses the plane of the goal line. Doesn’t matter if the player is standing in the end zone. Likewise if a player is standing outside of the end zone and reaches into the end zone to grab the ball out of the air before it touches down it’s a touchback. Basically the complete opposite of the NFL rules.

[OrangeAndBlack]

I learned something new then. I don't think I've ever seen that punt downing scenario happen before. I feel like every college player stays out of the endzone and treats it like NFL rules, probably to leave no doubt.

Better news, Mercer leads 17-7 with 1:46 to go and it's just about wrapped up!

[Milktruck74]

Good win Bears...and good day for the SoCon!

[OL FU]

Congrats to the Bears 3 SoCon teams in the final 16

[BearDownMU]

In college it’s all about whether or not the ball crosses the plane of the goal line. Doesn’t matter if the player is standing in the end zone. Likewise if a player is standing outside of the end zone and reaches into the end zone to grab the ball out of the air before it touches down it’s a touchback. Basically the complete opposite of the NFL rules.

he pulls this ball down to his right hip after this and based on his feet there is no way the ball isn’t across the plane into the end zone. Didn’t matter, but this didn’t get reviewed or anything. Was very surprised even seeing it in person.

Also, great day for the SoCon indeed.

[Chalupa Batman]

he pulls this ball down to his right hip after this and based on his feet there is no way the ball isn’t across the plane into the end zone. Didn’t matter, but this didn’t get reviewed or anything. Was very surprised even seeing it in person.

Also, great day for the SoCon indeed.

I didn't see the play so I'll take your word for it. Many people get confused by the rule in college so was just explaining that because his feet were on the goal line doesn't automatically mean touchback. Does sound like it should've been reviewed at least.

[Mocs123]

Congrats to Mercer on the first playoff win in program history! You made the SoCon proud today! I hate that you had to draw SDSU, but I'm pulling for you to pull out the upset of the year next week!

[PaladinNation]

Mercer could make the SDSU game ugly and frustrating for the Jacks.

[SeattleCat]

Mercer could make the SDSU game ugly and frustrating for the Jacks.

Yeah, not even a sniff of a chance at that. Jacks by 50.

[PaladinNation]

Yeah, not even a sniff of a chance at that. Jacks by 50.

Ugh… again!

[Catamount87]

Well done Bears! Now, make round two even more interesting.

[SteelSD]

Mercer could make the SDSU game ugly and frustrating for the Jacks.
It's going to come down to how Mercer can hold up on either line. Can't say in watching this last game for Mercer that that is the case. Mercer looks to have the skill players but history of the DSU's is that they disrupt these types of teams by completely taking the run games away and pressuring the QB on defense and wearing the other team down on Offense. That seems like the course for this game as well.