BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- — Quincy Crittendon threw four touchdown passes and Samford handed Mercer its first loss of the season, 55-35 on Saturday.

Crittendon was 23-of-37 passing for 378 yards and survived three interceptions for the Bulldogs (3-3, 2-1 Southern). Damonta Witherspoon added a pair of short touchdown runs in the final minutes of the first half for a 42-7 lead.

Mercer (6-1, 3-1) scored 21 straight points in the third quarter, two on short runs by Dwayne McGee to make it 42-21 but Gavin Morris' 55-yard fumble return and Noah Martin's 26-yard pick-6 in the fourth quarter fended off the Bears.

There were eight turnovers in the game, five by Mercer.

D.J. Rias had a pair of TD catches for the Bulldogs.

D.J. Smith threw for 263 yards with a TD and an interception and Whitt Newbauer threw for another 89 yards with a TD and pick for Mercer, which had won seven straight games dating to last season and is ranked No. 7 in the FCS coaches' poll. Kelin Parsons had 106 yards receiving.

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