Alabama will make their home debut of the 2021 season this Saturday against the Mercer Bears.
This matchup will not garner the type of anticipation that Alabama vs. Miami did, but it is the next game on the schedule so it is the most important.
Let’s take a look a look at the Bears first.
Mercer Preview:
Mercer is coming off a dominating performance over Point University. The Bears were able to put 69 points on the board while not allowing the Hawks to score in the contest.
Mercer runs multiple formations on offense, but in its opener, they relied heavily upon the running game. Cumulatively, the Bears ran the ball 59 times for 539 yards and seven touchdowns. Freshman Tommy Pollack led the way for the Bears with 13 carries for 111 yards and two touchdowns.
In their blowout win, the Bears also played three different quarterbacks led by Carter Peevy. Peevy finished the game 9 of 12 for 139 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
The Bears were also very stingy on the defensive side of the ball, holding Point to just a total of 99 yards of offense.
Alabama Preview:
Alabama had one of the better overall performances of the first week of the college football season. The Tide held a talented Miami offense to just thirteen points and 266 total yards. Offensively, Alabama had their way with the Hurricanes, compiling 501 total yards and 44 points.
Bryce Young leads the quarterback room, while Alabama uses their plethora of talented backs to split carries in the run game. John Metchie and Jameson Williams are stars in the making out wide for the Tide.
Defensively, Alabama has talent all on three levels. Phil Mathis anchors the defensive line, Will Anderson, Christian Harris, and Henry To’o To’o make for an elite linebacker corp, and Malachi Moore, Josh Jobe, and Jordan Battle make up a stingy back end of the defense.
Overall Thoughts & Score Prediction
Obviously, Alabama is the superior team in this contest and will have the avoid the proverbial “rat poison” heading into Saturday’s matchup.
I think this 2021 team is determined and focused. I believe they will show up ready to play in front of a packed-out Bryant-Denny Stadium and compete at a high level and dominate an inferior opponent.
Score Prediction: Alabama 63 Mercer 7