Mercer beats Rhode Island in FCS playoffs

The Mercer Bears knocked off Rhode Island 17-10 on Saturday in the second round of the FCS playoffs. The Bears advanced to the quarterfinals and will play at North Dakota State.

Mercer won a home playoff game for the second straight year. Next Saturday will mark Mercer's first trip to the FCS quarterfinals. The Bears are 11-2 this season.

Dwayne McGee led the Bears with 114 yards on 21 carries, and Mercer got a defensive touchdown on a pick six by Myles Redding in the first quarter. Whitt Newbauer hit Ajatay Dabbs with a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to put Mercer on top for good.