ABILENE, Texas (AP) — JP Pickles threw for 77 yards and a touchdown and rushed for 130 yards and a score as Mercer scored 27 unanswered points to beat Abilene Christian 34-17 on Saturday.

The Bears (3-2), ranked No. 25 in the Stats Perform poll, trailed 17-7 in the second quarter before shutting out Abilene Christian the rest of the way.

Simon Zeidan made a 44-yard field goal before Pickles scored on a 2-yard run with 49 seconds left in the second quarter to tie the game at 17.

Pickles connected with Brayden Smith for a 38-yard touchdown in the third quarter to give Mercer its first lead. Zeidan added a 23-yard field goal before play was halted for more than an hour due to lightning.

Mercer forced five turnovers, including three interceptions. Cameron Goggins had two interceptions, including his third of the season.

Devon Caldwell rushed for 132 yards on 23 carries for the Bears. Smith caught six passes for 68 yards and a touchdown.

Tucker Parks threw for 195 yards and three interceptions for Abilene Christian (1-4). He also rushed for 85 yards and a touchdown.

Mercer: At Virginia Military Institute next Saturday.

Abilene Christian: Hosts West Florida next Saturday.

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