USD Crushes Mercer In FCS Second Round | Sports

Aidan Bouman became USD’s career leader in passing yards thanks to his 241 yards and two touchdowns on the day. The senior will enter the FCS quarterfinals with 9,047 yards passing after passing Noah Shepard (8,936 yards).

Larenzo Fenner had four catches for 100 yards, including his USD-record 15th touchdown catch. He broke his tie with Derek Gearman at 14.

L.J. Phillips Jr. continued his strong season, finishing with 160 yards and two touchdowns. Carson Fletcher rushed for 107 yards, and Tennel Bryant and Reid Watkins each had a rushing touchdown, as USD ran for 7.9 yards per carry against a team that had been one of the top teams in the country in run defense.

Tysen Boze had two catches for 108 yards and a score in the victory.

Mike Munn had a pair of interceptions to lead the USD defense. R.J. Stewart and Gabriel Hardman each had a pick, with Stewart also recording two tackles for loss. Roman Tillmon had a team-high six tackles, with Hardman and Nate Ewell recording five stops each.

Atkinson, recognized as the top freshman in the FCS, was held in check. He was just 18-of-39 passing for 148 yards with four interceptions. C.J. Miller rushed for 105 yards. Brayden Smith had three catches for 42 yards.

Julian Fox had 14 tackles, including 2.5 for loss, for the Mercer defense. Drew Clare had 10 tackles. Andrew Zock, a Buck Buchanan Award finalist, had six tackles.