Alabama football got its third win in a row by at least 25 points Saturday, defeating Mercer 52-7. Here is how the two teams stacked up positionally.
Quarterback
Four different scholarship quarterbacks played against Mercer. Jalen Milroe made the most of his limited time, completing 11 of 16 passes for 186 yards and two touchdowns, and he added 43 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground.
Backups Ty Simpson, Dylan Lonergan and Austin Mack all saw time, combining to complete 12 out of 19 passes for 133 yards and a touchdown. Simpson and Mack both had highlight plays, with Simpson escaping from a seemingly surefire sack and completing a 43-yard pass downfield. Mack also made a 31-yard touchdown pass for the first touchdown of his collegiate career.
“They’re ready for the moment,” wide receiver Germie Bernard said. “Shoot, it’s just a blessing to see those guys finally get to have their opportunity.”
Mercer quarterback Whitt Newbauer couldn’t get the Bears offense into a rhythm. He completed 15 of 22 passes for 140 yards, had a touchdown to go along with an interception and didn’t scramble a single time during the game.
Running back
The Alabama running backs had good production but less than fans expected against a FCS defense. Jam Miller and Justin Haynes combined to have 14 carries for 61 yards. Backup Richard Young saw action for the third game in a row, carrying the ball 7 times for 26 yards and the Crimson Tide’s only touchdown from the running back position.
Bears running back CJ Miller led the game in rushing and got 44 yards on his eight carries. Dwayne McGee, Mercer’s leading rusher for the season, was quiet, only amassing 11 yards on seven carries.
Receivers
The Crimson Tide’s two leading receivers for the season, Bernard and Ryan Williams, performed well, as Bernard led the team with four catches and 81 yards. Williams had three catches for 36 yards and his first receiving touchdown since the Tennessee game, and he also added a 29-yard rushing touchdown.
True freshman Rico Scott had the first touchdown of his collegiate career, snagging a 31-yard pass from Mack late in the fourth quarter. Tight end Robbie Ouzts, who head coach Kalen DeBoer called a “swiss army knife,” got in on the action and caught his first touchdown of the season on a 44-yard pass from Milroe.
“For Robbie to haul one in was really exciting for our guys, exciting for him,” DeBoer said. “I love to see it.”
Mercer wide receiver Kendall Harris had a highlight-reel play on his 31-yard touchdown catch, snagging the ball with just one hand between two Alabama defenders. Kelin Parsons was the busiest wide receiver for either team, catching six passes for 39 yards.
Offensive line
The Alabama offensive line went its second game in a row without giving up a sack, and the unit only had one flag called against it. The group also helped aid the rushing attack to 189 yards and three touchdowns. The one change was backup Geno VanDeMark, who played right guard instead of Jaeden Roberts, who has been dealing with an injury.
The Bears’ offensive line performed fairly well on the day considering the talent gap, only
allowing one sack and two quarterback hits from the Alabama defense.
Defensive line
Nose tackle Tim Keenan III continues to be an anchor up front for the Crimson Tide, earning four tackles and a tackle for loss. Defensive end James Smith recorded 0.5 tackles for loss and edge rusher LT Overton notched a quarterback hit.
Mercer defensive end Andrew Zock had a good day against a stout Alabama offensive line, recording two tackles for loss. Defensive tackle Arias Nash also recorded a tackle for loss.
Linebackers
The linebackers made a big impact for the second game in a row for the Crimson Tide. Jihaad Campbell continues to perform well, leading the team with nine tackles and recording the team’s only sack of the game.
“He’s feeling it,” DeBoer said. “There’s confidence that he has that you can see coming out and the playmaking ability. “
Qua Russaw had one of the Alabama defense’s three turnovers, recording an impressive one-handed interception just before the end of the first quarter.
Ken Standley had a busy day for the Bears, recording ten tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss. Isaac Dowling had five tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss.
Defensive back
The defensive backs for the Crimson Tide forced turnovers. Domani Jackson and DaShawn Jones each forced a fumble, both of which the Crimson Tide recovered. Zabien Brown recovered Jones’s forced fumble and returned it 68 yards for a scoop-and-score. Safety Bray Hubbard continues to perform well in Keon Sabb’s absence, as he recorded a pass breakup.
TJ Moore was the most active Mercer defender on the day, recording nine tackles and a pass breakup, and cornerback Donovan Watkins also recorded a pass breakup.
Alabama’s next game is against Oklahoma in Norman and is the team’s final road game of the regular season. The game will be broadcast on ABC this Saturday at 6:30 p.m. CT.
