The Alabama Crimson Tide will host the Mercer Bears in an upcoming college football matchup, continuing a historical rivalry marked by four previous encounters. Alabama emerged victorious in all past matchups, with scores of 20-0 in 1939 and 1940, 56-0 in 2017, and 48-14 in 2021. In the latest contest, Mercer managed to cover the spread as substantial 54-point underdogs, raising questions about their competitiveness this time around.
As the game approaches, current betting odds from DraftKings Sportsbook place the Crimson Tide as 41.5-point favorites, with an over/under set at 58.5 points. The game is scheduled to take place on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. ET at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, with favorable weather predicted: sunny and 67 degrees with light winds.
This season, Mercer has proven competitive, recording a 7-3 mark against the spread, while Alabama holds a 5-4 against the spread record. Notably, the Alabama team has struggled to cover large spreads of 20 points or more in recent matches. The under has been a popular bet, especially given Mercer’s impressive defensive stats, including ranking eighth in points allowed and first in rushing yards allowed.
Though expectations are low for a Mercer victory, their strong defensive skills present a glimmer of hope. They currently hold the No. 7 ranking in FCS, with their sole loss against Samford. While their chances of pulling off an upset are minimal (0.01%), they have an opportunity to keep the game competitive against a Crimson Tide squad that may not be firing on all cylinders, considering their path toward the College Football Playoff.
Alabama, boasting a formidable squad that recently achieved impressive wins against Missouri and LSU, will need to maintain focus if they are to cover the hefty spread. The Crimson Tide’s offense has heavily relied on its ground game, accumulating significant yardage in recent encounters. Despite this, Mercer’s top-ranked third-down defense could provide them some leverage.
In summary, while Alabama is expected to win, Mercer could still challenge the odds, and with their defensive prowess, they may keep the score closer than projected. The matchup offers excitement for fans, who hope to see the Bears rise to the occasion and potentially cover the spread.
Prediction: Alabama 42, Mercer 10.
As the season progresses, Mercer has an opportunity to rebound in their upcoming games, emphasizing the unpredictability and thrill of college football, where any game can lead to surprising performances.