Alabama Football: Tide’s report card vs. Mercer Bears

Alabama football’s report card vs. Mercer

Inside Linebackers: A-

Credit Alabama’s defensive front for shutting down Mercer in the first half. Most of Mercer’s points were after the starters were mostly pulled, and it still fell on the secondary for failing to make plays.

It was crucial that both Christian Harris and Henry To’o To’o played sound football against Mercer’s running offense. They take advantage of linebackers making mental errors, and that did not happen this game.

The physical gifts are obviously there. They fly to the ball and make great plays when they are given the opportunity. With the IQ to know what. todo and the physical talent to do it, it’s hard to come up with a plan to stop this duo.

Outside Linebackers: A

With Chris Allen out for the season, it was crucial for the depth pieces to play in this game. Alabama football started Drew Sanders in place of Allen, and he had an excellent game. He played his assignments well, and he showed his athleticism in the open field. He can rush the passer, stop the run and step out in coverage. When a play is made, he is always near the football. Having him to fill in for Allen is great for the Tide.

Will Anderson was playing well before he suffered an injury. His status remains up in the air, but the Tide are a different monster with him on the field. After recognizing the cut blocks, the linebackers kept their distance to avoid getting hurt. Still, they got results.