Nov 153 min read

No. 10 Alabama Hosts Strong FCS Opponent Mercer

The No. 10 Alabama Crimson Tide (7-2, 4-2 Southeastern Conference) will face the Mercer Bears (9-1 Southern Conference) at noon EST on Nov. 16 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Alabama scheduled this game as a de facto bye-week, but they shouldn't expect an automatic win.

The Mercer Bears, behind coach Mike Jacobs, have all the confidence in the world coming into this game with a 9-1 record. The Bears are ranked No. 7 in the FCS rankings and have already secured an FCS playoff spot.

Alabama has been a Jekyll and Hyde-type team throughout the season. They beat No. 12 Georgia (7-2,5-2) and then lost to Vanderbilt (6-4, 3-3) the next week. Alabama looked to turn the corner in their 42-13 victory over No. 22 LSU (6-3, 3-2) but they'll have to avoid a let-down against Mercer to prove they're focused and a true contender.

What's at Stake?

Alabama comes into this game with everything to lose and nothing to win. The Tide most likely controls their destiny regarding a College Football Playoff berth. If the Tide were to come out flat and somehow lose this game, they'd be eliminated from playoff contention. Former coach Nick Saban could get his team up for games against lesser opponents, but Kalen DeBoer has not proven he can do the same. The last thing DeBoer can afford is a loss against an FCS opponent, albeit a good one.

Mercer comes into this game with nothing to lose. The Bears are 6-1 in the Southern Conference and have already clinched a spot in the FCS playoff. The Bears come into this game wanting to prove they are better than many FBS teams, and that may be true. The Bears will put all they have into this game.

Key Players: Alabama

Jalen Milroe, QB

Milroe is always the X-Factor when it comes to Alabama football. On any given Saturday, Milroe is the best athlete on the field. Milroe needs to stick to what he does best, running and throwing the deep ball. At times Milroe tries to do too much but is still the best player on the field nine out of 10 times.

Jihaad Campbell, LB

Campbell has wreaked havoc for opposing offenses all season but has come on especially strong over the last few games. Campbell has accounted for 78 tackles and 4 sacks this season and will look to add to his totals against the Bears.

Key Players: Mercer

Dwayne McGee, RB

McGee has accounted for 983 yards on 173 carries for 7 touchdowns this season. If the Bears can establish the run game, they can control the game and give themselves a chance against the Tide.

Myles Redding, TJ Moore, DB

Redding and safety and Moore at CB have 6 INTs a piece on the season. Regardless of the competition, that's an impressive stat. If the Bears dynamic duo can cause some turnovers against Milroe and the Tide, it could be a long day for the home team.

Trends to Watch

Alabama has not played particularly well after big victories this season. The Tide cannot take the Bears for granted and needs to come out ready to play. While the upset chances are slim, Mercer is a team that could give the Tide problems if DeBoer and his players don't come out prepared.