While there have been some setbacks in Kalen DeBoer’s first season as Nick Saban’s replacement, there have also been many significant events. In just his first season in Tuscaloosa, DeBoer has produced at a high level, from the historic performance by Ryan Williams to defeat Georgia to the crushing of LSU in Death Valley.
How well is his team performing, exactly? DeBoer created history with the Tide’s 52-7 victory over Mercer, as his eight victories this season are the most for an Alabama first-year head coach since Ray Perking in 1983.
After defeating the Tigers last week, the Tide needed a cruise control game, and with two games remaining in the regular season,
It was a stress-free day for Alabama.
With a defence that once again forced three turnovers, the Crimson Tide stormed out to a 28-0 lead and never gave Mercer any chance. With an average of 4.5 yards per rush and more than 300 passing yards overall, the offence was reliable and effective. Ryan Williams scored two touchdowns, while quarterback Jalen Milroe added three more.
Although the game didn’t garner much attention or raise Alabama’s standing in the playoffs, it was the kind of triumph the Tide needed after an emotional triumph.
Alabama must finish strongly with two games left if they want to qualify for the college football playoffs and possibly the SEC Championship.
