LEXINGTON, Va. — Whitt Newbauer played a key role in leading Mercer to a dominating 34-0 triumph over VMI on Saturday, throwing touchdown passes just before halftime and at the start of the second half.

The game saw Newbauer cap a significant 13-play, 88-yard drive with a 4-yard touchdown pass to Kelin Parsons, which came with only 17 seconds remaining in the first half, extending Mercer’s lead to 17-0. Early in the third quarter, he connected with Parker Wroble for a spectacular 69-yard touchdown pass, pushing the Bears’ lead to 24 points just 3:36 into the second half.

For the game, Newbauer completed 15 of 30 passes for an impressive 282 yards. The Bears, currently ranked No. 13 in the latest FCS coaches poll and boasting a record of 9-1 and 6-1 in the Southern Conference, have now secured three consecutive wins. Newbauer also threw a 28-yard touchdown pass to Wroble for the only score in the fourth quarter. Wroble was a standout receiver, finishing the game with three receptions for a total of 102 yards. Additionally, Reice Griffith contributed to the scoreboard with two field goals, totaling a long of 32 yards.

Chandler Wilson struggled for VMI, completing only 11 of 25 passes for just 35 yards along with one interception. The Keydets, sitting at 1-9 and 1-6 in their conference, were attempting to build on their recent momentum following a narrow 21-17 victory over Furman to grab their first win of the season.

Mercer’s defense was quite effective, as this victory represents their first shutout since a 17-0 win against The Citadel on September 17, 2022.