Mercer survives late rally, beats VMI in overtime, 33-30

LEXINGTON, Va. -- John Russ found Avery Ward on an 18-yard slant in overtime as Mercer held off VMI, 33-30 in the Keydets' home opener. Al Cobb completed a pair of clutch fourth-down passes in the final minute, then found Ryan Swingle for a 10-yard touchdown pass with 19 seconds left to give VMI a 27-24 lead with 19 seconds left in regulation. Chandler Curtis returned the ensuing kickoff 30 yards and Russ hit Kelby Brock for 18 yards to put the Bears (2-2, 1-1 Southern Conference) on the VMI 40 and a personal foul on the Keydets gave Mercer a first down at the 25, where Cole Fisher booted a 42-yard field goal as time expired to force overtime. Cobb found Aaron Sanders on 3rd-and-17 in overtime to get VMI (2-2, 0-1) to the Mercer 8, where Dillon Christopher booted a 25-yard field goal for a 30-27 lead.