Mercer rallies past Citadel 28-19 after 21-point quarter

No. 16 Mercer rallied from a 10-0 halftime deficit to beat The Citadel 28-19, scoring three touchdowns in the third quarter and extending its winning streak to five games. Quarterback JP Pickles led the comeback with 234 passing yards and three touchdown passes, plus a rushing score; an 80-yard touchdown catch by Brayden Smith helped swing momentum. Mercer had managed just 45 yards of offense in the first half, while penalties contributed to the Bears’ early struggles. The Citadel’s loss marked the third time this season it had let a double-digit first-half lead slip against a Southern Conference opponent.