Prediction, Preview, and Betting Lines for Alabama vs Mercer

That was quick.

The Kalen DeBoer era ended just as it looked like Alabama was losing, and everything was going wrong… Missouri 34, Alabama 42, and LSU 13 was the next game.

Now that things are back to normal, the Alabama Crimson Tide should be in the College Football Playoff. Their last two games are against bad Oklahoma and Auburn teams, and the sun is rising again in the morning.

But Mercer is not easy to get along with. The Bears are ranked ninth in the FCS. They are likely to win the Southern Conference and should put up a good fight.

Mercer at Alabama: How to Watch and Game Preview

Date: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Game Time: 2:00 pm ET
How to Watch: SEC Network
Venue: Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL
Teams: Alabama (7-2), Mercer (9-1)

Why Mercer Will Win

The Bears bring the D.

There is not a better FCS team at getting off the field than them. They do get flagged too often and give up too many passing yards.

When it comes to third down defense, Mercer is the best. They only let teams convert 21% of their chances. But for this to work (or stay close), the takeaways need to be many.

With 28 turnovers, the Bears have the best pass rush in the FCS. They are also the best in sacks and tackles for loss. So…

Why Alabama Will Win

The Bears may have a good defense, but they just do not protect the pass well enough and lose the ball way too often. The defense is not making enough mistakes to undo all of their good work, but it does not help.

How did Bama get so cool again? The running game is good. The offensive line is playing better, and Alabama blew out Mizzou and LSU. This makes Jalen Milroe and everyone else feel better.

That ball is not getting lost. Alabama turned the ball over six times in their first two games before turning things around, but they have not done that in their last two games, and

Mercer at Alabama: Who Will Win?

Also, Mercer is the best team in the FCS at stopping the run. If it helps, Alabama lost both of its games when its running game failed to gain 100 yards. Mercer only let 54 yards of running per game.

Alabama can not just send this in, but things should be able to start moving quickly. Mercer’s only loss was to a dull Samford team that came alive in the first half.

Mercer is up against Alabama. You already know what will happen, so do not be shocked if the Tide do not look their best.