Game Preview: No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide vs Mercer Bears

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 04: Bryce Young #9 of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks to pass against the Miami Hurricanes during the first half of the Chick-fil-A Kick-Off Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 04, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 04: Bryce Young #9 of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks to pass against the Miami Hurricanes during the first half of the Chick-fil-A Kick-Off Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 04, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Jameson Williams (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Alabama Crimson Tide Players to Watch

QB Bryce Young

Young quickly burst onto the scene last week passing for 344 yards and four scores in his first career collegiate start. Earning SEC Offensive Player of the Week honors in the process, we could be in for a similar showing from Young here.

OLB Will Anderson Jr

Anderson had an outstanding start to year two in Tuscaloosa last week totaling nine tackles and a sack against the Hurricanes. With the injury to Allen along the defensive line, Anderson’s ability to rush the passer will be key for the Alabama defense going forward.

WR Jameson Williams

The Ohio State transfer had a monster game against Miami catching four passes for a total of 126 yards, even including a 94-yard touchdown. Will we see another strong showing from Williams on Saturday?

LB Henry To’o To’o

To’o To’o had an impressive Alabama debut last week collecting seven total tackles. The Tennessee transfer should continue to shine on the Crimson Tide’s defense as the season goes along.

K Will Reichard

After not missing a kick a year ago, Reichard didn’t skip a beat last week going 5/5 on extra points and 3/3 on field goals. Reichard should see plenty of opportunities this week.

WR John Metchie III

Metchie had a strong season opener last week catching six passes for 76 yards and a score. Out of all the receivers on this Crimson Tide team, Metchie will be the constant this season.

RB Brian Robinson Jr

Robinson led the Crimson Tide with 12 carries a week ago going for 60 yards on the ground. Drawing the start in Alabama’s backfield, the senior should get a similar workload this week against the Bears.

LB Christian Harris

Harris totaled five tackles and a sack last week to begin year three of his Crimson Tide career. Expect similar production on Saturday, if not more.

TE Cameron Latu

Latu had a massive breakout performance last week catching three passes for 43 yards, two of which went for touchdowns. Drawing the start at tight end in the contest, it certainly appears that we could be in for a big season from Latu.

DT Phidarian Mathis

Mathis collected five tackles and a sack last week along the defensive line. With the previously mentioned injury to Allen, the play from Mathis will be key to rushing the passer going forward.