No. 10 Alabama Rolls to Victory Over Mercer

©Gary Cosby Jr./USATODAYNETWORK via ImagnImages

The Nov. 16 matchup between No. 10 Alabama (8-3, 4-2 Southeastern Conference) and the Mercer Bears (9-2, 6-1 Southern Conference) was one-sided in favor of the Crimson Tide. The Tide got their eighth win of the season inside Bryant-Denny Stadium by a score of 52-7.

Alabama vs. Mercer

The Alabama Crimson Tide came ready to play against the outmatched Mercer Bears avoiding a letdown game. The Bears started the game with the ball and their first drive ended when Alabama's Domani Jackson forced a fumble that was recovered by the Tide on their own 48-yard line. The Tide went on to score following the turnover.

The Mercer offense struggled against the Tide's defense scoring only 7 points and turning the ball over 3 times. The Alabama offense, on the other hand, was able to move the ball with relative ease. Alabama's second string even got in on the scoring with 14 points.

Turning Point

Jackson's forced fumble to stop the Mercer Bears on the first drive set the tone for the rest of the game. The Bears were not able to get anything going offensively exempt for an amazing one-handed touchdown catch by WR Kendall Harris from QB Whitt Newbauer .

What It Means

For Alabama this victory means the Tide still controls their own destiny when it comes to a College Football Playoff berth. The Tide and Kalen DeBoer also have a good chance of making the SEC Championship game with wins against Oklahoma (5-5, 1-5) and Auburn (4-6, 1-5) to finish the season.

The Mercer Bears are the Southern Conference leaders and have already secured a spot in the FCS playoffs. Nothing was lost for Mercer in this game except for maybe a little pride. The Bears next face Furman (3-7, 2-4 Southern Conference) at home where they expected to get back to their winning ways.