When it became apparent that Alabama’s Nov. 16 opponent, Mercer, was a little better than the average FCS victim-of-the-week, there was mild concern that the Crimson Tide could find itself vulnerable to a team that not only had one of the best offenses in FCS, but was at or near the top in several defensive statistics, not the least of which was averaging an obscene 2.1 interceptions per game.
In the end, there turned out to be no need for any concern at all. Alabama walloped Mercer 52-7, rolling up 508 yards of total offense and recording some eye-popping statistics of its own: Five quarterbacks played, 11 players carried the ball, 13 players caught at least one pass and another 3 players were targeted in the passing game without recording a catch. Alabama basically emptied both its offensive and defensive benches, getting deep into its list of walk-ons in the process.
Let’s put it another way: Alabama used three placekickers in this game, all three scoring points. We’re not sure of the last time (if ever) Alabama did that, but when/if it happened, we probably weren’t there for it.
Much like Alabama’s win over Missouri two weeks ago, Alabama was methodical about building a lead and keeping its foot on Mercer’s throat. Mercer’s Whitt Newbauer went the whole game at quarterback and until late in the game, had completed all but two of his pass attempts, but Alabama otherwise contained the Bear offense and flipped the script in the turnover game, picking off Newbauer once and forcing two other critical fumbles, one of which was returned for a touchdown.
Offensively, Alabama wisely used its time with a big lead to build depth at running back and receiver, with names like Richard Young and Rico Scott rising to accept the opportunities they were given, Alabama might have additional options here at the end of the year that didn’t really exist a month ago.
The deliberate and consistent nature of the offense allowed Alabama to do things like rest RG Jaeden Roberts for the majority of the game. Roberts, who has played through multiple painful injuries in 2024, is a key factor in any postseason discussion. Backup QB Ty Simpson also got some real time to run the offense, rather than just hand off to running backs while trying to kill the clock.
In short, this is why teams like Alabama schedule FCS opponents near the back end of the season. Mercer was skilled enough to play cleanly and with discipline, too, which is not always the case with struggling teams whose lack of athleticism sometimes causes higher injury risks simply due to not knowing how to play the game as well as the larger school. It was a good fit all around (unless, of course, you were a Mercer fan).
Next up is a road test against Oklahoma that will be a tough assignment for Alabama, regardless of the Sooners’ current record. Oklahoma is a quality defensive team and the game is in a tough venue. Alabama will have its work cut out for it next Saturday.
But today, with walk-ons getting to contribute in front of their classmates and families, was something else entirely. We’re not sure how many more opportunities we’ll all get to see things like this, given new roster size limits that are probably coming around the bend. Enjoy it while you can.
Here’s the Five-Point Breakdown for Alabama-Mercer:
1. As expected, Bama DL advantage over Mercer OL was what set the tone. There wasn’t a lot of comparing and contrasting between units that you can do when an FBS power like Alabama lines up against an FCS opponent, even a good one like Mercer. But the OL-DL cross-matchups apply even if Bama had been playing a high school. The one glaring weakness of the Mercer team was its offensive line, which hasn’t been good even on its own level this year.
Alabama’s front six took advantage in every way. Alabama was able to make Mercer’s Newbauer uncomfortable and force him to look for safety valves, even if Alabama only recorded one official QB hurry, that coming from DE L.T. Overton. Newbauer had to take quick checkdown options far too often, which led to him at one point completing around 13 of 15 attempts (he finished 15-of-22) but few of them were true downfield shots. He did make a nice throw to Kendall Harris for a highlight reel touchdown, and while Alabama would have loved to have the shutout, the fact Newbauer grew up a Bama fan means he has a highlight for life (not to mention Harris and Newbauer both getting exposure they would never have gotten otherwise).
The much bigger impact, however, was on the running game. As we noted in our preview, Mercer’s running back group wasn’t going to scare Alabama regardless; add in the OL struggles and it was ugly. Alabama put up 4 tackles for loss and held Mercer to a total of 62 yards on 24 carries (2.6 avg.). Without a running game to fall back upon, the Bears really had no chance to threaten the Tide.
2. Alabama continues to force turnovers, and the “Swarm” defense is living up to its name. CB Zabien Brown had the play with the biggest impact on the scoreboard, scoring after CB/S DaShawn Jones knocked the ball loose following a nice completion from Newbauer, but the “wow” play of the day (other than the Harris touchdown, or Bama WR Germie Bernard pancaking two defenders at once on Ryan Williams’ first touchdown) was CB Domani Jackson running down a Mercer running back from the backside on the Bears’ initial drive and stripping the ball, which led to Damon Payne Jr. making a scoop recovery.
Alabama’s three forced turnovers is becoming a trademark for this defense; Alabama entered the game in the top 10 nationally in turnover margin and will almost certainly go up from there. The greater takeaway (no pun intended) is that Alabama’s defense has gotten rather salty over the last month or so, to the point that the Crimson Tide is beginning to grow out of its transitional phase a bit.
3. Linebacker play was on-point and has probably been the biggest factor in the defensive resurgence. Qua Russaw, back in the starting lineup with the loss of Quandarrius Robinson and the suspension of Keanu Koht, made his presence immediately felt in this game, and not just for a phenomenal one-handed interception early in the game. Russaw brings a little more physicality in run defense to the Wolf linebacker spot, and he attacked the edge with aggressiveness from the opening whistle forward. The biggest change lately, though, has been the improved play of the inside linebackers, especially Jihaad Campbell, who is finally starting to show flashes of being the next-level guy people think he can be. Deontae Lawson and Justin Jefferson were also solid in this game.
The only negative was that Yhonzae Pierre, who is now running second-team at Wolf by virtue of Robinson being out and Koht being MIA, appeared to tweak a hamstring midway through the game and had to come out early. Still, Alabama has to feel good about the second level of its defense heading into Oklahoma.
4. Defensive depth in general is improving, especially at safety. The decision to move both DaShawn Jones and Zavier Mincey out of pure cornerback roles and having each of them work at safety was an inspired choice. Jones in particular has found a niche and has apparently supplanted Red Morgan as the second option at the nickel safety spot. Jones is physical against the run and seems to embrace the “Swarm” mentality in the way he goes looking to create turnovers. Mincey will probably go back to corner eventually, but his length, speed and coverage ability give Alabama an additional facet to its high safety spots. Mincey can also play the Husky spot when needed.
The crazy thing is, depth is improving at positions affected by injury. Keon Sabb is out at safety, but suddenly here comes Bray Hubbard, DaShawn Jones and Zavier Mincey. Even Kam Howard made a couple of good plays late in the game today. At linebacker, Quandarrius Robinson and Keanu Koht are out, and Yhonzae Pierre injured today … but then here comes true freshman Jayshawn Ross off the bench, and he had back-to-back snaps where he beat Mercer’s right tackle badly.
Alabama is also developing a capable second unit at ILB with Cayden Jones, Justin Okoronkwo and Jeremiah Alexander. What was a question mark early in the year (defensive depth and development) is beginning to look like a burgeoning strength instead.
5. Something to work on: Special teams play. Everything can’t be all sweetness and light, can it? Punter James Burnip had two shanks and Alabama is still trying to figure out its best punt-return option now that Cole Adams is out for the year. Ryan Williams and Jaylen Mbakwe both tried their hand at it today and it appears Alabama will continue to rotate the two of them, but both need reinforcement of the procedure for making a fair catch. Williams would likely have been beheaded on his lone attempt at a return today had the opponent been SEC and not FCS. On the flip side, kudos to Reid Schuback for getting a PAT opportunity, and Graham Nicholson hit another long field goal, hopefully dissipating any lingering concerns fans might have had about his ability since transferring in from Miami-OH.
Follow Jess Nicholas on X at @TideFansJessN