Mercer (with a 9-1 record) is set to face the ninth-ranked Alabama (7-2, No. 10 in CFP rankings) on Saturday at 2 p.m. EST, broadcast on SEC Network.
There are no betting odds available from BetMGM for this matchup.
Historically, Alabama has had the upper hand in their previous encounters, leading the series 4-0.
The stakes seem relatively low for Alabama heading into this game. The team is expected to focus on maintaining player health while allowing some of the backups to gain playing experience. Following this matchup, Alabama will shift its attention to crucial Southeastern Conference games against both Oklahoma and Auburn. Recently, the Crimson Tide achieved a decisive 42-13 victory over LSU. On the other hand, Mercer is enjoying a solid season, ranking as high as 10th in the FCS rankings. The Bears have already secured at least a portion of the Southern Conference championship, which grants them an automatic playoff berth. Notably, this marks Mercer’s first conference title since they won the Dixie Conference in 1932. A victory against Furman on November 23 would ensure the Bears claim the title outright.
A critical matchup to watch in this game will feature Alabama’s offense, which is spearheaded by dual-threat quarterback Jalen Milroe and freshman wide receiver Ryan Williams, going up against one of the top defensive units in the FCS. Mercer has excelled defensively this season, leading the FCS in various categories including run defense, sacks, tackles for loss, interceptions, turnovers gained, defensive touchdowns, and third-down defense.
When it comes to key players to keep an eye on, Mercer’s Dwayne McGee, a running back who transferred from Lenoir-Rhyne, stands out with remarkable statistics of 933 rushing yards and seven touchdowns this season. For Alabama, quarterback Ty Simpson, a former five-star prospect, has had limited playing time behind Milroe but is anticipated to compete for the starting position next season. So far, Simpson has played in four games, completing 9 of 14 passes for 96 yards.
In terms of notable facts and figures, Alabama’s head coach Kalen DeBoer boasts the highest winning percentage among active Division I coaches with at least five seasons at 88.7% (110-14). Mike Jacobs of Mercer follows closely in fourth place with an 82.2% winning percentage (83-18). DeBoer holds an impressive record of 33-2 (.942) as a head coach in November, including a current streak of nine consecutive wins. Additionally, Milroe has been a powerful presence, responsible for 29 total touchdowns (13 passing and 16 rushing), leading the SEC and ranking fourth nationally in the FBS for total touchdowns. Alabama has achieved 47 touchdowns this season, with 20 coming from plays of over 20 yards, including an even split of 10 rushing and 10 passing touchdowns. In previous meetings, Alabama has dominated Mercer, outscoring them 144-14 across their four encounters.