College Football

Howerton's defensive TD helps Wofford beat Mercer 31-21

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 6:53 p.m. ET

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SPARTANBURG, S.C. (AP) David Howerton blocked a punt and recovered it in the end zone for a score to give Wofford enough of a margin to hold off Mercer 31-21 on Saturday.

Howerton broke through to get to the punter with 11:19 left in the third to give Wofford a 21-7 lead. David Marvin added a 33-yard field goal to go up 24-7.

The Bears answered when John Russ hit Marquise Irvin from the 10 for a touchdown with 3:42 left in the third. Irvin set a school record for number of catches in a game, pulling in 12 for 143 yards and two scores. Russ hit Irvin on another 10-yard scoring play to close to within 10 with 6:03 left in the game.

Lorenzo Long rushed for 108 yards and two touchdowns for Wofford (5-3, 3-2 Southern Conference).

Russ led Mercer (4-4, 2-3), throwing for 271 yards and three scores.