The Mercer Bears will face the Alabama Crimson Tide for the fifth time in their history this Saturday, November 16, 2024. Previous encounters between the two teams date all the way back to 1939, and while Mercer has yet to claim victory in these matchups, they did manage to cover the spread as 54-point underdogs in their last meeting. This time, the Bears will be looking to keep the score respectable.
In the upcoming game, Alabama is heavily favored, with a spread of 41.5 points. The Crimson Tide come into this contest riding a wave of momentum after consecutive decisive victories, including a shutout against Missouri (34-0) and a strong win against LSU (42-13). Alabama’s defense has been particularly formidable, allowing only one touchdown while forcing six turnovers during these games.
Meanwhile, Mercer holds their own as the 7th ranked FCS team in the nation, with a commendable 7-3 record against the spread this season. Though they suffered a defeat against Samford earlier this year, their defensive statistics remain impressive, ranking among the best in the country in several categories, including points allowed and rushing yards allowed per game.
As the game approaches, Mercer will aim to leverage its strong defensive capabilities in order to keep the score within reach. Although Alabama is poised for victory, with a 99.9% likelihood of winning according to predictions, Mercer stands a chance to make the match more competitive than anticipated.
For those following the game, the kickoff is set for 2:00 p.m. ET at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, under sunny weather conditions. Fans can catch the action on SECN+/ESPN+.
In summary, while Alabama is favored to win comfortably, Mercer’s strong defensive record and motivation to compete could lead to a more closely contested game and an interesting outcome against the spread. As the underdog, Mercer has everything to gain, and this matchup could serve as a crucial learning experience for the team as they look forward to finishing their regular season on a positive note against an easier opponent in Furman.
This preview underscores the unpredictability of college football, where any game can yield surprising results. Fans are encouraged to tune in for what promises to be an exciting afternoon of football.