Saturday's Football Roundup

Running game powers ETSU to victory over VMI

ETSU outbattled VMI in a defensive struggle to claim a hard fought 16-9 win.

Devontae Houston contributed 104 yards on 18 rushing attempts, while Bryson Irby had 54 yards on the ground and a touchdown. The team committed to the ground game early and often (90 1st quarter rushing yards, 64-36 overall run-pass split). The Buccaneers finished the game with 195 total rushing yards.

Quarterback JoJo Crump led VMI with 188 yards combined on the ground and through the air. Hunter Rice added 87 yards rushing on 23 carries for the Keydets.

Chattanooga leaves Fortera Stadium with a win over Austin Peay

Chattanooga prevailed in a tough battle against Austin Peay on Saturday afternoon, winning by a final score of 24-17.

Chase Artopoeus, who was returning from injury, threw for two touchdowns and rushed for another one, wreaking havoc on Austin Peay's defense. As a team, the Mocs' offense generated 2.4 yards per carry and 6.9 yards per pass attempt.

The Mocs defense recorded five sacks in the victory. Kobe Joseph led the Mocs defense, racking up 11 tackles, including one sack.

Dickens shines as Western Carolina pushes past Samford

Western Carolina started Saturday afternoon's matchup well, going up 23 at halftime before holding on to defeat Samford 47-42.

Taron Dickens led the way for Western Carolina, throwing for 408 yards and three touchdowns in this one. The Catamounts also found help from wide receiver AJ Colombo, who collected nine receptions for 116 yards as Dickens' favorite target on the afternoon.

Quincy Crittendon found the endzone multiple times for Samford. He threw for one touchdown and rushed for another four. Micah Kelly contributed to the Bulldogs' offense as well, scoring one touchdown on the ground.

Dabbs leads Mercer to victory over Furman

Mercer claimed victory against Furman on Saturday afternoon, winning by a final score of 49-23. The win gave the Bears their first outright SoCon title in football.

Adjatay Dabbs was electric, reeling in eight balls for 181 yards to lead the way for Mercer. Whitt Newbauer threw for 257 yards and three scores on the day. The Bears piled up 503 total yards on offense.

Colton Hinton caught nine passes for 109 yards and a touchdown for Furman. Running back Gavin Hall ran for 50 yards and tossed a 30-yard touchdown pass to Hinton in the first quarter.

The Citadel falls to Clemson at Memorial Stadium

Clemson had an impressive start to the game against The Citadel on Saturday afternoon, scoring a quick 14 first quarter points, ultimately winning 51-14.

Tailback Jay Haynes led the way for Clemson, accumulating 118 yards on five rushing attempts. Cade Klubnik contributed as well, completing 12-of-16 passes for 198 yards and three touchdowns. Much of the team's success came down to their effectiveness on third down. They converted 56 percent of their attempts, sustaining drives and pushing the offense forward.

Javonte Graves-Billips, Garrison Johnson, and Johnathan Bennett were all contributors for The Citadel in the loss, as the three accounted for the Bulldogs' two scores on the day.

South Carolina gets past Wofford

South Carolina won against Wofford, 56-12, in the Terriers' season finale.

LaNorris Sellers' dual-threat ability was on full display to lead South Carolina. He put up 307 yards through the air and 53 on the ground to keep Wofford's defense guessing. As a team, the Gamecocks' offense generated 5.8 yards per carry and 10.7 yards per pass attempt.

Devery Cagle made a pair of field goals for Wofford, while Amari Odom found Dylan Djete for a 6-yard score in the second quarter to account for the Terriers' points.