Game Week Central – Alabama & Mercer

The Alabama Crimson Tide returns home to Tuscaloosa, Alabama this weekend for a 1:00 p.m. CT kickoff against the Mercer Bears. Here is everything you need to know about the Crimson Tide and the Bears!

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Previous Matchup

The Alabama Crimson Tide hosted the Mercer Bears in Tuscaloosa, Alabama in September 2021. The Crimson Tide handled its business with a 48-14 victory over Mercer.

Notable News

Mercer is No. 1 among 123 FCS schools in interceptions defensively (21), No. 1 in rushing defense (54.7 yards per game), No. 1 in third-down defense (21.4%), and No. 2 in turnover margins (+14 on the season).

Stat Leaders

Alabama

Passing - Jalen Milroe - 2,046 yards, 13 TD, 6 INT
Rushing - Jalen Milroe - 114 carries, 565 yards, 16 TD
Receiving - Ryan Williams - 37 catches, 731 yards, 7 TD
Defensive - Jihaad Campbell - 78 tackles, 4 sacks, 2 PBU, 2 Forced fumbles, 1 INT, 1 fumble recovery

Mercer

Passing - DJ Smith - 1,271 yards, 9 TD, 6 INT
Rushing - Dwayne McGee - 176 carries, 910 yards, 7 TD
Receiving - Kelin Parsons - 31 catches, 549 yards, 4 TD
Defensive - Isaac Dowling - 62 tackles, 3 PBU, 2 sacks, 1 INT, 1 forced fumble

Last Week

Alabama dominated the LSU Tigers in Baton Rouge en route to a 42-13 victory over the Tigers to advance to 7-2 on the season.

Mercer won handily over the VMI Keydets in a 34-0 victory to advance to 9-1 on the season.

Coaches

Kalen DeBoer is in his first year as the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide. Alabama currently has a 7-2 record, and DeBoer has a 111-14 record as a head coach in college football.

Mike Jacobs is in his first year as the head coach of the Mercer Bears. Mercer currently has a 9-1 record, and Jacobs has a 74-17 record as a head coach in College Football.

All-Time

Alabama holds a 4-0 record all-time against the Mercer Bears.

How to Watch

TV: ESPN + (Subscription)

Radio: Tide 100.9 FM, 1230 AM WTBC, 95.3 The Bear FM

Streaming: Tide 100.9 App, 95.3 The Bear App

Gambling

Alabama is a 30-point favorite over the Mercer Bears.

ESPN Matchup Predictor

Alabama - 99%
Mercer - 1%

NCAA Game Simulator

Alabama - 34
Mercer - 3

The average score is Alabama - 25.8, Mercer - 18

Wyatt Fulton is the TIde 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.