MACON, Ga. — The only thing better than getting to host your program's first-ever playoff game?
Winning it.
That's just how it happened for the Mercer Bears on Saturday at Five Star Stadium, who defeated the Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs 17-7 for the program's first ever FCS playoff victory.
After a scoreless first quarter, Mercer quarterback Carter Peevy opened the scoring with a touchdown dive from two yards out, giving the Bears a 7-0 lead with 13:53 to play in the first half.
Mercer's field general then showed off his mobility, ripping off a 72-yard touchdown run to put Mercer up by two scores with 9:18 remaining in the first half.
The Bulldogs would get on the board before the half to make it a one-possession at halftime, but Mercer held on to win, 17-7
Meanwhile, Mercer's defense again came to play, logging two interceptions, a forced fumble and fumble recovery.
As a team, the Bears rushed for 167 yards and threw for 122 yards.
The win is Mercer's fifth straight, as the Bears move on to face top-ranked South Dakota State in the second round of the FCS playoffs next week.
The Jackrabbits secured the top seed in this year's FCS playoffs with a perfect 11-0 regular season and have not lost since September 3, 2022.
They most recently defeated Missouri State 35-17 on November 18.
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 2nd at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings, South Dakota.
The game will be streamed on ESPN Plus.