Staff Predictions for Alabama vs Mercer
The Alabama Crimson Tide hasn't played the Mercer Bears since 1940 in a 20-0 victory in Tuscaloosa. In the third meeting of the two teams, the 5-5 Bears playing a team whose sights are set on next week's SEC West match-up with the Auburn Tigers.
Mercer head coach Bobby Lamb has had a good career in Macon, GA going 32-24 with the Bears and 99-64 for his coaching career.
Nick Saban will take the Mercer Bears serious this weekend, but here is the score prediction from the Tide 102.9 staff:
Martin Houston, Host of The Blitz
This game comes just in time for the Tide! Alabama will need to reestablish it’s confidence and get some young talent key reps. Alabama when spend the 1st half playing winning football and then giveway to the younger Talent. In a tune game for the Tigers, Alabama wins their 11th game of the season. Alabama 55 - Mercer 0
Wimp Sanderson, Co-Host of Inside the Locker Room
Nick Saban understands what his team needs in a non conference schedule. This is a perfect game to get his team rested and ready to go next week for the Iron Bowl. Alabama 45 - Mercer 3
Barry Sanderson, Co-Host of Inside the Locker Room
This is the perfect game for Bama after two physical SEC games. Look for Tide to play a lot of reserves and to evaluate which young guys they can depend on for the stretch run. The biggest concern will be to stay injury free in this game. Alabama 48 - Mercer 0
Gary Harris, Host of The Gary Harris Show
Alabama will face Mercer from the Southern Conference on Saturday morning at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama fans will be hoping for a quick exit by the starters after building up an early lead. The Mercer Bears are a capable team. Mercer trailed Auburn by only a touchdown midway through the 4th quarter before losing 24-10. Alabama though will be in no mood to play around and the defense wants to make a statement heading into the Iron Bowl. I believe they will. Alabama 42 - Mercer 0
Travis Reier, Host of Southern Fried Sports
Come to pay tribute to one of college football’s all-time winningest senior classes, hang around to watch all the freshmen. Alabama 42 - Mercer 3
Aaron Suttles, Host of The Suttles Approach
Expect lots of backups as Alabama wants to energy the Iron Bowl as healthy as possible. Players won’t be in bubble wrap, but don’t expect some banged up guys to play this week. Alabama 42 - Mercer 6
Ryan Fowler, Host of The Game
Alabama and Mercer provides a challenge for the fans get up early on Saturday and make it to Bryant-Denny Stadium for an 11 a.m. kickoff. However, there is some interest in a game that could be labeled as a tune-up game before the showdown with the Auburn Tigers. I am curious to see how many things Alabama puts on tape for Auburn to have to study and to see who gets the nod at middle linebacker. Alabama 52 - Mercer 7
Ben George, Digital Managing Editor
Mercer scored three points against Samford earlier this month and it’s hard to imagine the Bears having any success on Saturday. This should be a chance for the defense to rest up, play some younger players, and get things in order before Auburn. What else is there really to say about his game? Alabama 40 – Mercer 6
Josh Smith, Producer
Mercer may be 5-5, but their defense has been stout all season. Mercer's defense has held teams to an average of 18 points a game.The highest any team has scored against them wasn't when they lost to Auburn 24-10. It was this previous weekend, when they defeated Western Carolina University 35-33. Though this may be the first time head coach Bobby Lamb has faced the nations top ranked team, don't discount his players. They will be ready to make a name for themselves while the nation is watching. Alabama will gain needed experience for their young linebackers, rolling to defeat Mercer. Alabama 35 - Mercer 10.
Thomas Paradiso, Producer
Good timing this week for Alabama as they take on Mercer. With many things to work on, the Tide has the perfect tune-up game before the Iron Bowl. Alabama 45 - Mercer 7
James Hardy, Producer
This week's game is a much needed tune-up game for guys like Dylan Moses and Keith Holcombe to gain more confidence prior to next week's big game at Auburn. Barring a slow start out of the locker room, Tua Tagovailoa and the rest of the reserves should be able to see the field early and often. Alabama 48 - Mercer 7
Marquis Munson, Brand Manager
Although Nick Saban focuses on the opponent in front of them, everyone's eyes is on the Auburn Tigers. Congrats to all the seniors who will be honored at the game, but even with Alabama's injuries at linebacker, this game will be a lot like Deontay Wilder versus Stiverne. I'll give them two fields since we are in the season of giving. Alabama 48 - Mercer 6