TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) -- On Saturday, the Alabama Crimson Tide will return home to Bryant-Denny Stadium to take on the Mercer Bears.
Alabama coming off a big win in Death Valley to keep its playoff hopes alive, winning 42-13. Jalen Milroe gave the LSU defense fits for the second consecutive season rushing for 185 yards on 12 carries and four touchdowns. The defense was stifling, not allowing a touchdown until the fourth quarter and forcing three turnovers in the blowout win.
Mercer is also coming off a dominant win of its own after crushing VMI, 34-0. The Bears were led by quarterback Whitt Newbauer who completed 50% of his passes for 282 yards and three touchdowns. It was a all-around team rushing attack as seven players got touches for 236 yards total. Senior Parker Wroble led the team in receiving with 102 yards and two touchdowns as they improved to 9-1 on the season.
Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. on ESPN+. Here's what to look for in Tide versus Bears:
Alabama getting hot at the right time
- Bama has played arguably its best all around games in its last two contests. The defense preserved a shutout against Missouri and gave Garrett Nussmeier and the LSU offense trouble all game. The offense has been playing to its strength as of late and the running game has finally found life. The Tide look to keep that momentum rolling before a big road game against Oklahoma next week.
Crimson Tide still have a chance to play in Atlanta
- If Alabama wins out, Tennessee loses to Georgia, and Texas beats Texas A&M in its regular season finale, there's a chance the Tide could be heading back to Atlanta to play in the SEC Championship. Tie breakers would come into play, and it could potentially get to step four, which would come down to opponents win percentage, which favors Alabama. Playing in the conference championship brings pros and cons though, Alabama could potentially receive an automatic bid and first round bye in the playoff, or face the potential of being left out if they lose.
Has Mercer even won against Alabama?
- The two teams have only played each other four times, with the latest being 2021 and earliest in 1939. The Crimson Tide have won all four match ups in blowout fashion. In the last meeting, the final score was 48-14.