GREENVILLE, S.C. – Quarterback Tyler Huff (Ridgeview HS, Orange Park, FL) accounted for 250 yards of total offense and FCS No. 7 Furman limited No. 21 Mercer to just 267 yards en route to a 38-14 victory over the Bears in the Southern Conference opener for both schools on Saturday afternoon at Paladin Stadium.

Furman's backfield; Dominic Roberto and Wayne Anderson Jr., rushed for touchdowns of nine and 13 yards, respectively, as Furman built a 17-0 lead in the second quarter. The Bears trimmed the deficit to 17-14 on Carter Peevy's eight-yard quarterback keeper with 8:02 to play in the third quarter before Huff led the Paladins on a 14-play, 80-yard scoring drive, capped by Myion Hicks' one-yard touchdown plunge in the final minute of the period for a 24-14 advantage.

Huff, in his second graduate season with Furman after four years at Presbyterian, connected with tight end Mason Pline on a 10-yard touchdown toss on the Paladins next possession, and Jayquan Smith rumbled 20 yards to paydirt on the following drive to extend the Paladins' lead to 38-14 with 8:04 to play.

Furman (3-1, 1-0 SoCon) recorded seven tackles-for-a-loss, including three sacks, to hold Mercer (2-2, 0-1 SoCon) to just 144 yards on the ground and 123 through the air. Braden Gilby paced the defense with 11 tackles and registered one sack.

On the defense, former Fleming Island High standouts Jeremiah Jackson and Alex Maier; defensive line and linebacker; also are on Furman roster. Maier had two tackles; one TFL against Mercer.

Huff, the reigning SoCon Offensive Player of the Week after a 31-28 Furman win last week over Kennesaw State (24 of 32 passes, 237 Yds, 4TDS rushing off 79 Yds in 19 carries), went 20-of-24 passing for 168 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 82 yards on 11 carries.

Huff is also a Preseason All Southern Conference selection at quarterback.