Alabama football did not need to look like the team that pummeled LSU to beat Mercer on Saturday afternoon in Bryant-Denny Stadium. But at points, it simply looked like the Crimson Tide 's identity.
Alabama easily handled Mercer 52-7, a game that continued the Crimson Tide's identity of a ball-hawking defense, one that continued to showcase Alabama 's efficient offense with a dual-threat quarterback.
Here's how the Crimson Tide graded out in Saturday's 45-point win against Mercer.
Jalen Milroe led the Alabama first-team offense with ease, spreading the ball around in the passing game to Germie Bernard , Ryan Williams and Robbie Ouzts while continuing to headline the Crimson Tide run game. He created enough of a lead for the second- and third-team offense to play early in the third quarter.
Alabama's offensive performance was nothing flashy. But it was enough to dominate Mercer.
Alabama did not have to continue to take the ball away from Mercer to dominate the Bears . But the Crimson Tide showed time and time again it continues to be the unit's identity, from a Domani Jackson forced fumble recovered by Damon Payne Jr. , Qua Russaw's second career interception or a DaShawn Jones forced fumble recovered by Zabien Brown and returned for Alabama's first defensive touchdown of 2024.
Alabama's starting unit remained on the field through the third quarter, a statement firmly made heading into the final two games of SEC play.
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Alabama special teams did not have its best day. But it didn't really have to.
James Burnip 's first punt was a 20-yard boot that placed Mercer barely in its own territory. Jaylen Mbakwe and Williams split punt return duties, one of which ended in a holding call. Graham Nicholson hit a 45-yard field goal and each of his extra points.
Early against Mercer, Alabama racked up penalties, recording three for 40 yards in the first nine minutes.
But Alabama settled into the game and got exactly what it planned: a dominant performance where the Crimson Tide coaches could see the roster's depth in action.
Alabama did what many expected it to do against Mercer. What can the Crimson Tide take from its dominance against the Bears? Not much, especially with two games left against Oklahoma and Auburn.
Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@gannett.com or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama football handles Mercer. How Tide graded out on our report card
