Mercer Bears vs Samford Bulldogs Prediction, 4/17/2021 FCS Pick, Tips and Odds

Game: Mercer Bears vs Samford Terriers

Date: Saturday, April 17, 2021

Location: Seibert Stadium in Philadelphia, PA

TV: ESPN+

Odds/Point Spread: Mercer (+5)

The Samford Bulldogs (3-3) play the Mercer Bears (5-5) at Seibert Stadium on Saturday. Mercer opens this contest as 5-point dogs. The O/U opens at 65.

In their last game the Bears took on the East Tennessee State Buccaneers and won 21-13. Carter Peevy went 9/15 with 65 yards through the air and completed 1 touchdown. He walked away from this game with no interceptions. Peevy led the team on the ground during the game. He had a long run of 40 yards and he added 1 touchdown for the game. He rushed for 58 yards via 12 carries which meant he averaged 5.0 yards per run. Ty James led the team in receiving yardage by earning 30 yards on 3 receptions. He earned an average of 10.0 yards per reception during the game. The Mercer Bears rushed the ball a total of 41 times and totaled 154 yards earning them an average of 3.8 yards per carry. In the game, they finished with a total of 56 plays for 219 yards. In the game, the Bears earned a total of 12 1st downs and they had 3 penalties for 10 yards.

When discussing the defense, Mercer gave up 26 completions on 44 throws totaling 228 yards, and a completion percentage of 59.0%. On the ground, the Bears gave up 154 yards on 32 tries which gave them an average of 4.8 yards per carry allowed. For this contest, they gave up 382 yards and earned 3 turnovers.

Regarding putting points on the board, the Mercer Bears hold an average of 24.5 points per game. Mercer has a tally of 245 total points and has tallied 33 touchdowns, while having an average of 29:34 minutes of ball control per game. With reference to getting first downs, Mercer has amassed 66 first downs via the pass and 87 first downs on the ground.

The last time they took the field the Bulldogs went up against the The Citadel Bulldogs and won 55-7. Welch led the team on the ground for the game. He broke a long run for 35 yards and he ran for 1 touchdown for the game. He rushed for 139 yards on 13 carries which means he ran for an average of 11.0 yards per carry. Jai'Rus Creamer was the receiving yardage leader by racking up 97 yards on 3 receptions. He had an average of 32.3 yards per reception for the game. Liam Welch went 19/35 with 306 yards passing and tossed 3 touchdowns. He threw 1 pick on the day. The Samford Bulldogs rushed the ball a total of 36 times and racked up 245 yards earning them an average of 6.8 yards per run. For the game, the Bulldogs racked up 27 first downs and they totaled 3 penalties for 23 yards. Overall, they ran 73 plays for 550 yards.

When it comes to their defensive performance, Samford conceded 2 catches on 8 tries for a total of 21 yards, and a completion percentage of 25.0%. For the game, they gave up 331 yards and forced 7 turnovers. Against the run, the Bulldogs conceded 310 yards on 71 runs which means they had an average of 4.4 yards per rushing attempt allowed.

Recording an average of 37:46 mins per game of ball control, the Bulldogs have accumulated 29 touchdowns in addition to 238 points on the campaign. When looking at their scoring prowess, the Bulldogs hold an average of 39.7 PPG. They have recorded 51 first downs via the ground as well as 83 first downs through the air this season.

Who will win tonight's FCS game against the spread?

Guy Bruhn's Pick: Take Samford (-5)

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