Alabama Football: After Mercer, five thoughts about the Crimson Tide

After seeing the Mercer game, it seems Alabama football fans and the Alabama Football team have something in common. Both groups got way ahead in defining the 2021 Alabama Crimson Tide. After the Miami game, some of us (my hand is raised) were convinced the Alabama Crimson Tide was already an elite team. I made what I thought was a sound claim that Alabama was college football’s only elite team. Some Crimson Tide players apparently had similar opinions.

In mid-week, Nick Saban tried his best to intervene. Based on Saturday’s game, that attitude adjustment exercise did not work on everyone. So what now, in terms of understanding how good the Crimson Tide can become?

As a starting point, we can listen to Saban. The Tide coach did not mince words in answering a quick, post-game question from Cole Cubelic. He said if errors are not fixed before next Saturday, the Tide will be “shook” by the Florida Gators.

On the minds of Alabama football fans

Judging by social media and message boards, Tide fans have a wide range of thoughts. To further the conversation, five are offered here.

No. 1 – Will Anderson Jr.

When Anderson left the game early in the third quarter, he did not appear to be seriously injured. He walked to the locker room without assistance. Hopefully, tests will show he was not seriously injured. Saturday night rumors were the knee was not injured badly and at worst he should be back in 2-3 weeks.

Playing against a good offense without Anderson is no small problem. Offenses must account for him on every play. With Chris Allen out, no Anderson means the Tide outside linebacking is good, with potentially future great players, but not yet great.