Going into Saturday afternoon’s matchup against the Mercer Bears in Tuscaloosa, there is no denying that the Alabama Crimson Tide will be massive favorites.
Not only are the Crimson Tide facing an opponent from the FCS level, but Mercer has historically not had much success against Alabama head-to-head. In addition to this, this game is in Tuscaloosa, which is a place that Alabama rarely loses, and has not lost at so far this season.
Because of this, it is certainly possible that Alabama cruises to a win Saturday over Mercer, meaning that some of the Crimson Tide’s starters could not play the entire game. If that were to happen, then some of Alabama’s backups could see noteworthy action on the field that might not have played as much up to this point in the year.
Let’s take a look at five Alabama players in particular that could be names to watch for Saturday against Mercer:
Ty Simpson, Quarterback
Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
2024 Stats: 64.3 CMP%, 96 passing yards, 6 rushes, 30 yards, 1 TD
With the Crimson Tide likely claiming a sizable lead early in this contest, we will potentially see the redshirt sophomore quarterback soon after the start of the second half, assuming this game goes how most expect it to. Simpson will likely be first in line to replace Jalen Milroe on Saturday, with others such as Austin Mack and Dylan Lonergan also potentially seeing action.
Richard Young, Running Back
Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
2024 Stats: 18 rushes, 114 yards, 1 TD
Young enjoyed one of his best performances of the 2024 season a week ago at LSU, rushing for a combined 27 yards and one touchdown on six attempts. The redshirt freshman is likely to receive a notable number of carries Saturday in the second half, as could both Daniel Hill and Kevin Riley at the running back position.
Yhonzae Pierre, Outside Linebacker
Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News-USA TODAY NETWORK
2024 Stats: 4 tackles, 2 PD
Pierre was a name mentioned by Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack earlier this week that could play a key role in replacing the injured Que Robinson, and that could begin Saturday at home. The redshirt freshman is a former five-star prospect that could end up being a key member of Alabama’s pass rush going forward, and a strong game Saturday could help cement that idea.
Justin Okoronkwo, Linebacker
Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News-USA TODAY NETWORK
2024 Stats: 9 tackles, 1 TFL
Moving to inside linebacker, the Crimson Tide could opt-to give some of their younger players at the position some experience Saturday, with Okoronkwo one of the potential beneficiaries of that. The true freshman had made nine tackles with one TFL, and could be one of the first linebackers on the field not named Lawson, Campbell, or Jefferson.
Zavier Mincey, Defensive Back
Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News-USA TODAY NETWORK
2024 Stats: 8 tackles
Lastly, keep an eye on Mincey to continue seeing increased action Saturday against Mercer. The versatile true freshman defensive back has a combined six tackles over Alabama’s last two games, and should continue to build on that total Saturday.
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