The Crimson Tide’s final home game is set for Saturday Nov. 18 at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Here’s the info you need for the game:
Alabama (10-0) vs. Mercer (5-5)
Kickoff Time: 11 a.m. (Central Time)
TV: SEC Network
Radio: 102.9 FM
Pregame
8:00 – Autographs from John Cassimus & Curt Jarvis at Hibbett Sports tent
9:00 – Walk of Champions
10:00 – Elephant Stomp – Gorgas Library
10:40 – Senior Day ceremonies
Need To Know
Gates will open two hours prior to kickoff. Alabama will be following its clear bag policy. Each fan is allowed one large clear bag – either a one-gallon Ziploc style bag or the 12″ by 6″ by 12″ clear bag – plus a small “clutch” purse, no larger than 4½” by 6½”. The larger clear bag must be a standard 12″ by 6″ by 12″ made of clear PVC vinyl. The one-gallon Ziploc bag is readily available, inexpensive and easy to search. The small “clutch” allows privacy for small personal items and also is easily searched.
Players To Watch
Mercer
Tee Mitchell
Jr./RB
5-10/203
Key Stat: Mitchell had 26 carries for 120 yards and a touchdown last week against Western Carolina.
Mississippi State exposed Alabama’s run defense last week, and suddenly the loss of linebacker depth seems to be a real concern for the Crimson Tide. Mitchell will be the first option for Mercer on the ground, and the junior has rushed for 619 yards and seven touchdowns this season. Alabama will also have to look out for him to leak out of the backfield as well, because Mitchell has 22 catches on the season.
Kaelan Riley
Fr./QB
6-3/222
Key Stat: Riley averages 198 yards passing per game.
Riley needs just 14 yards passing to go over 2,000 yards for the season. On top of his passing ability, the freshman quarterback has plenty of mobility to get out of the pocket and scramble for a first down. Nick Fitzgerald hurt the Crimson Tide by scrambling last week, and Auburn quarterback Jarrett Stidham will be mobile in the Iron Bowl. Riley should be a good test for Alabama going forward.
Lee Bennett
Sr./LB
6-0/221
Key Stat: Bennett has 102 total tackles on the season.
Bennett has forced three turnovers this season, and has recovered three fumbles. Only 27 of his 102 total tackles have been on his own, which is a testament to the Bears’ pursuit on defense. Bennett will have to be up for the challenge of stopping Alabama’s rushing offense, which struggled last week against Mississippi State.
Alabama
Dylan Moses
Fr./LB
6-3/232
Key Stat: Moses had two tackles last week against Mississippi State.
Moses has been thrown into a more prominent role after the depletion of Alabama’s linebackers, and he will likely get some needed experience against Mercer this week. The freshman was one of Alabama’s most anticipated recruits coming into his first year, but didn’t see a ton of snaps because of the talent that was still in front of him. That has all changed due to injuries, and Moses will need to rapidly improve before Alabama plays the challenging opponents ahead.
Devonta Smith
Fr./WR
6-1/165
Key Stat: Smith has five receptions for 105 yards this season.
Smith caught the game-winning touchdown to lift Alabama past Mississippi State last week, and he is quickly becoming one of Alabama’s most reliable receivers. The freshman is averaging 21 yards per catch, which shows his speed and ability to avoid tacklers. Three of his five receptions have come in the Crimson Tide’s last four games.
Brian Robinson Jr.
Fr./RB
6-1/218
Key Stat: Robinson has 17 carries for 115 yards and one touchdown this season.
Alongside Najee Harris, Robinson is the future of Alabama’s running game. The Hillcrest product had one of the most impressive high school careers in recent history from the Tuscaloosa area, and he has made the most of his opportunities in his first college season. Robinson made two tackles on special teams last week at Mississippi State.
Postgame
New York Jets wide receiver ArDarius Stewart will be signing autographs and posing for photos at the Corner Supe Store from 3:00 – 5:00pm.
Parking
Gameday Shuttle
Visit uagameday.com for any additional gameday information.
