So, if you’re looking at the history of Mercer Bears football vs NDSU football, you’re basically looking at a classic "new kid on the block" versus the neighborhood powerhouse story. For the longest time, Mercer was just this program in Macon, Georgia, that people knew was "scrappy." Then they ran into the North Dakota State University (NDSU) Bison.
It wasn’t just a game; it was a measuring stick.
Honestly, NDSU is the gold standard of the FCS. They have those nine national titles staring you in the face the second you walk into the Fargodome. When Mercer got slated to play them in the 2024 FCS Quarterfinals, a lot of folks outside of Georgia figured it’d be a blowout. A "thanks for coming" type of deal. But what actually happened on December 14, 2024, told a much more nuanced story about where Mike Jacobs has taken this Bears program.
The Day the Bears Went North
The temperature in Fargo was probably enough to shock the system of any Southern kid, but the Fargodome keeps things at a nice, crisp indoor climate. Still, the noise in that place is a different animal.
NDSU didn’t wait around. They scored on their first two possessions. Within the first six minutes, it was 14-0 Bison. You’ve seen this movie before, right? Usually, the underdog folds there. But Mercer didn't. Whitt Newbauer, the Bears' QB, found Kelin Parsons for a 38-yard strike to make it 14-7.
For a second, the Fargodome got a little quiet.
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The final score ended up being 31-7 in favor of NDSU, but if you look at the box score, it doesn't quite capture the "dog" Mercer played with. They held one of the best rushing attacks in the country to relatively modest gains for most of the middle quarters. NDSU eventually wore them down—that’s just what the Bison do—but Mercer proved they could stand in the middle of the ring with the heavyweight champ.
Breaking Down the Numbers
While the scoreboard looked lopsided by the fourth quarter, some specific stats tell the real story of Mercer Bears football vs NDSU football:
- Total Yards: NDSU outpaced Mercer 392 to 195. That's a big gap.
- The Rush Defense: Mercer had only allowed two teams to break 100 rushing yards all season. NDSU became the third, grinding out 133 yards.
- Third Down Woes: This was the killer. Mercer went 1-for-11 on third downs. You can’t beat the Bison if you can't stay on the field.
Why This Matchup Matters for the SoCon
For years, the Southern Conference (SoCon) has been trying to regain its status as a premier FCS league. When Mercer made it to the quarterfinals—their first time ever—it wasn't just big for the school; it was a statement for the whole conference.
NDSU is used to this. They've been in the quarterfinals 15 years in a row. For Mercer, this was the "national TV debut" moment. Even in a loss, they showed they had the athletes to compete.
People forget that Mercer only brought back football in 2013 after a 70-year hiatus. Think about that. In basically a decade, they went from non-existent to playing for a spot in the national semifinals against the greatest dynasty in the sport.
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The Cam Miller Factor
You can't talk about NDSU without talking about Cam Miller. The guy is a winner. Against Mercer, he was efficient, throwing for 259 yards and two scores while adding another 40 yards and a TD on the ground.
Mercer’s defense, led by guys like Isaac Dowling and Myles Redding, actually managed to pick Miller off twice. That’s rare. Usually, Miller is a surgeon. The fact that the Bears' secondary frustrated him enough to force those mistakes shows that Mercer's defensive scheme is legit.
But football is a game of depth. NDSU’s offensive line eventually started opening holes for Barika Kpeenu, and a 1-yard plunge in the fourth quarter basically put the lights out for the Bears' magical 11-win season.
The Learning Curve
If you're a Mercer fan, you’re not looking at that 31-7 loss as a failure. You’re looking at it as a blueprint.
Last year (2023), the Bears got hammered by South Dakota State 41-0.
This time, they were within striking distance for three quarters.
That's progress.
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It’s about closing the gap. The Bison have a way of making teams feel like they’re playing uphill. Their "Power-I" looks and play-action shots are designed to exhaust you. Mercer hung in there, but they lacked the explosive playmaking needed to counter-punch once NDSU took the lead.
What’s Next for This Rivalry?
Will we see Mercer Bears football vs NDSU football again soon? In the FCS playoffs, it’s almost inevitable if Mercer stays on this trajectory.
The Bears are returning 14 starters for the 2025-2026 cycle. Eight of those are on offense. Newbauer has the experience now. He’s played in the loudest stadium in the country against the toughest defense he’ll ever see. That kind of "battle scarring" is exactly what a program needs to take the next step.
If you’re betting on the future of Mercer football, you're betting on their ability to recruit the same type of "trench monsters" that NDSU has. They have the skill players. They have the coaching. Now they just need the beef.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
- Watch the Recruiting Trails: Keep an eye on Mercer’s offensive line recruiting. If they start landing the 300-pounders that usually head to the FBS, they’re serious about beating the Bison.
- Support the SoCon: The only way Mercer gets better is if the teams they play every week—like Chattanooga and Furman—stay strong. Iron sharpens iron.
- Fargodome Travel: If you ever get the chance to see this matchup in person, go. It’s a bucket-list environment for any college football junkie.
The 2024 quarterfinal might have been a loss for the Bears, but it was the day they stopped being a "nice story" and started being a legitimate threat on the national stage. NDSU won the game, but Mercer won the respect of the FCS world.
Keep an eye on Macon. The Bears are coming.
Make sure to check out the official Mercer Athletics page for the upcoming 2026 spring schedule and season ticket information for Five Star Stadium. If you want to dive deeper into the Bison's dynasty, the NDSU film room archives offer some of the best breakdown content on how they've maintained their dominant rushing attack for over a decade.