By Manning Snyder
SouthernPigskin.com

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Manning Snyder recaps The Citadel’s 42-28 loss at Mercer.

nThe Citadel (0-5, 0-1) drops their first SoCon game of the season against Mercer (1-4, 1-1) with the final score, 42-28.

nThe Bulldogs struggled out of the gate going 0-for-5 (four punts and a fumble) on their first five drives. They trailed 28-0 at the half. However, the second half saw a little more production out of The Citadel. The Bulldogs dominated the 3rd quarter, outscoring Mercer 13-0 in the frame.

nDown 35-20, The Citadel fumbled the ball with eight minutes left in the fourth quarter, essentially sealing the victory for the Bears.

nThe Citadel struggled on both offensively and defensively in the first half. Quarterback Jaylan Adams wasnxe2x80x99t able to establish a rhythm and the Bulldog defense couldnxe2x80x99t keep the Bears out of the end zone.

nThe impressive second half run by the Bulldogsxe2x80x9320 unanswered pointsxe2x80x93wasnxe2x80x99t enough with an enormous deficit to erase. The top offensive performer for The Citadel was A-back Cooper Wallace. The Florence, South Carolina, native had 125 yards for the game, including a long 75-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Defensively, junior linebacker Brian Horn led the way with nine tackles (three solo) and a sack.

nThe Citadel returns to Johnson Hagood Stadium to face Chattanooga next Saturday at 1pm.