Freshman Atkinson throws 5 TD passes in Mercer's 45-21 win over Samford

— Braden Atkinson had his best day in his young career, throwing for career highs of 365 yards and five touchdowns in a 45-21 win over Samford on Saturday.
Oct 5, 2026, 07:43 am - AP
Play-By-Play
1st Quarter
Mercer Bears
Touchdown
12:18 - 1st
0
SAM
7
MER
Samuel Albee 64 Yd pass from Braden Atkinson (Reice Griffith Kick)
1 play, 64 yards, 0:09
Mercer Bears
Touchdown
2:36 - 1st
0
SAM
14
MER
Antonio Butts Jr. 1 Yd Run (Reice Griffith Kick)
6 plays, 48 yards, 2:37
2nd Quarter
Mercer Bears
Touchdown
11:09 - 2nd
0
SAM
21
MER
Javarius George 3 Yd pass from Braden Atkinson (Reice Griffith Kick)
13 plays, 97 yards, 5:36
Mercer Bears
Touchdown
6:00 - 2nd
0
SAM
28
MER
Brayden Smith 7 Yd pass from Braden Atkinson (Reice Griffith Kick)
9 plays, 63 yards, 4:01
3rd Quarter
Samford Bulldogs
Touchdown
12:50 - 3rd
7
SAM
28
MER
Preston Bird 63 Yd pass from Brady Stober (Colton Pace Kick)
7 plays, 75 yards, 2:10
Mercer Bears
Touchdown
10:57 - 3rd
7
SAM
35
MER
Brayden Smith 38 Yd pass from Braden Atkinson (Reice Griffith Kick)
5 plays, 76 yards, 1:47
Mercer Bears
Touchdown
5:30 - 3rd
7
SAM
42
MER
Ty Doughty 66 Yd pass from Braden Atkinson (Reice Griffith Kick)
1 play, 66 yards, 0:10
Samford Bulldogs
Touchdown
2:44 - 3rd
14
SAM
42
MER
Cam Bland 13 Yd Run (Colton Pace Kick)
9 plays, 75 yards, 2:46
4th Quarter
Samford Bulldogs
Touchdown
11:29 - 4th
21
SAM
42
MER
Sam Pickett III 77 Yd pass from Brady Stober (Colton Pace Kick)
3 plays, 74 yards, 0:27
Mercer Bears
Field Goal
5:36 - 4th
21
SAM
45
MER
Reice Griffith 34 Yd Field Goal
4 plays, 1 yard, 1:26
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