Mercer vs South Dakota

Overview

The Mercer Bears are set to host the South Dakota Coyotes in the second round of the 2025 NCAA Division I Football Championship on Saturday, December 6, at Five Star Stadium in Macon, Georgia. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 PM Eastern Time. This matchup marks the first-ever meeting between the two programs. Mercer enters the game as the No. 6 seed, while South Dakota is seeded No. 11. (mercerbears.com) The winner will advance to the quarterfinals, bringing them one step closer to the national championship.

Season Snapshot

Mercer Bears

The Bears concluded the regular season with a 9-2 record, securing their second consecutive Southern Conference (SoCon) championship with an 8-0 conference record. Their impressive performance earned them the No. 6 seed in the FCS playoffs. (mercerbears.com) Mercer boasts a potent offense, ranking fourth nationally with 35 passing touchdowns and 35 receiving touchdowns during the regular season. (foxsports.com)

South Dakota Coyotes

The Coyotes finished the regular season at 8-4, placing second in the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) with a 6-2 conference record. In the first round of the playoffs, they defeated Drake University 38-17, showcasing a strong defensive effort and explosive plays. (mercercluster.com) South Dakota's offense is led by quarterback Aidan Bouman, who has thrown for 2,404 yards and 22 touchdowns this season. (mitchellrepublic.com)

Recent Form

Mercer Bears

Mercer enters the game with a nine-game winning streak, having not lost since their second game of the season. Their most recent victory was a 35-21 win over Chattanooga on November 15, clinching the SoCon title. (mercerbears.com) The Bears have had a bye week in the first round of the playoffs, allowing them to rest and prepare for this matchup. (den.mercer.edu)

South Dakota Coyotes

The Coyotes are coming off a decisive 38-17 win over Drake in the first round of the playoffs. Prior to that, they secured a thrilling 53-51 victory over Southern Illinois in five overtimes on November 15. (goyotes.com) South Dakota has demonstrated resilience and the ability to perform under pressure, making them a formidable opponent.

Talking Points

• Mercer's High-Powered Offense vs. South Dakota's Resilient Defense: Can Mercer's explosive passing attack overcome South Dakota's stout defense?

• Impact of the Bye Week: Will Mercer's rest lead to a sharp performance, or will South Dakota's recent momentum give them the edge?

• Quarterback Showdown: How will Mercer's Braden Atkinson and South Dakota's Aidan Bouman fare in this high-stakes matchup?

• Coaching Strategies: With both teams led by second-year head coaches, who will make the more effective adjustments?

• Playoff Experience: How will Mercer's previous playoff appearances influence their approach to this game?

Players to Watch

• Braden Atkinson (Mercer QB): The SoCon Freshman of the Year and winner of the Jerry Rice Award, Atkinson has thrown for 3,448 yards and 34 touchdowns this season. (den.mercer.edu)

• Aidan Bouman (South Dakota QB): Bouman has accumulated 2,404 passing yards and 22 touchdowns, leading the Coyotes' offense effectively. (mitchellrepublic.com)

• Ty Doughty (Mercer RB): Doughty has been a key component of Mercer's offense, contributing significantly to their scoring drives.

• Caden McDonald (South Dakota LB): McDonald has been instrumental in the Coyotes' defensive schemes, making crucial stops throughout the season.

• Jalen Johnson (Mercer WR): Johnson has been a favorite target for Atkinson, racking up impressive receiving yards and touchdowns.

Key Matchups & Storylines

• Mercer's Passing Attack vs. South Dakota's Secondary: Mercer's high-powered passing game will test the Coyotes' defensive backs, who have been solid throughout the season.

• Quarterback Duel: The performance of Atkinson and Bouman will be pivotal, as both have been central to their teams' successes.

• Coaching Adjustments: How will head coaches Mike Jacobs (Mercer) and Travis Johansen (South Dakota) adjust their strategies to exploit the other's weaknesses?

Fun Facts

• Mercer's 35 passing touchdowns are the fourth most in NCAA Division I for the 2025 regular season. (foxsports.com)

• South Dakota's 53-51 victory over Southern Illinois in five overtimes is one of the longest games in FCS history.

• This is the first meeting between Mercer and South Dakota in football.

• Mercer has a 54-21 record at Five Star Stadium, including a 27-5 record since 2019. (mercerbears.com)

• South Dakota has made the FCS playoffs in three consecutive seasons.

Things to Chirp About

• "Can Mercer's offense keep up their high-scoring ways against South Dakota's defense?"

• "Will the bye week help Mercer stay sharp, or will South Dakota's momentum carry them through?"

• "How will the quarterbacks perform under playoff pressure?"

• "Which coach will outsmart the other in this high-stakes matchup?"

Prediction

This game is expected to be a closely contested battle, with both teams bringing strong offenses and resilient defenses. Mercer's home-field advantage and high-powered passing attack may give them a slight edge, but South Dakota's recent momentum and playoff experience make them formidable opponents. Fans can anticipate an exciting and hard-fought game as both teams vie for a spot in the quarterfinals.