Mercer University football will play on Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. at Five Star Stadium against the winner of the first-round matchup between 10th-seed University of Rhode Island and unseeded Central Connecticut State University.
The Bears claimed their first Southern Conference title in school history on Saturday after a decisive 49-23 victory over Furman University. They are currently ranked No. 7 in the FCS with 10 wins and two losses this season, including their latest victory that secured a first-round bye in the playoffs.
At a watch party for Sunday’s FCS Playoffs bracket reveal, Head Coach Mike Jacobs emphasized the importance of rest for both himself and the players, as this is “a big moment for the kids.”
“For us to have a bye, which is needed from a health standpoint, and then have a second-round home game, we’re super excited,” Jacobs said. “We'll practice a little this week, enjoy Thanksgiving with our families, and then come back prepared for whoever wins that Rhode Island and Central Connecticut State game.”
Linebacker Isaac Dowling Jr. ‘25 also expressed a mix of rest and excitement as the team prepares for the next game. Dowling was a part of last year’s squad that went to the program’s first-ever postseason.
“It feels pretty good knowing all the work we put in has finally paid off with the championship win and earning that first-round bye. That's crucial for a lot of guys to get healthy and for our team to recuperate,” Dowling said.
Despite the success so far, Dowling understands that the team has more to prove.
“The job isn't finished. We still want to attack the upcoming weeks, and we know it will take a lot of preparation for this moment,” he added.
Who the Bears may face
For the first time in 39 years, the University of Rhode Island will play in the FCS Playoffs after a 10-2 season and a 7-1 record in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA). The Rams advanced with the help of one of the best offensive lines in the nation, according to FCS Stats.
Rhode Island faced one ranked opponent this season, beating No. 19 University of New Hampshire in October, 26-9. The following week, they faced the Bears’ former starting quarterback, Carter Peevy, winning 24-14.
The Central Connecticut State football team will be making their third appearance ever in the FCS playoffs following their 29-14 victory over No. 19 Duquesne University in the Northeast Conference on Saturday. The Blue Devils will travel to Rhode Island for the opening round of the 2024 FCS playoffs. With an eighth-ranked rushing defense and 20th ranked total defense, according to Mercer Athletics, the Blue Devils enter the postseason with a four-game winning streak after starting the season 3-5.
Alisha Mitchell '26 is majoring in Journalism and Political Science at Mercer University. She is a part of the Student Government Association and works for Mercer’s Undergraduate Admissions office. Alisha is highly involved on campus and loves writing for The Cluster. When she isn't writing or working, she enjoys sitting outside in nature or thrifting with friends.
