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It’s become increasing obvious that fans are looking ahead to next week’s Iron Bowl, but there are a lot of things that Alabama needs to try to get done before it heads to Jordan-Hare to take on the Tigers.
Here are 8 things that the Tide can do to make sure they get the most out of Saturday’s game against Mercer:
1. Get Hassenauer more reps at left guard
J.C. Hassenauer isn’t your typical Alabama offensive lineman. He’s seen snaps at either guard or center in all four seasons he’s played, but at 6-2, 295 pounds, he’s one of the Tide’s smallest players up front.
Last week, starting left guard Ross Pierschbacher went down with a high ankle sprain, and the redshirt junior is expected to be out the next couple of weeks.
Hassenauer stepped in and performed admirably, but going against Auburn’s defensive line in two weeks is going to be a test.
That’s why this week is crucial to get him settled in as a starter — that way, he can continue to jell with the rest of the offensive line.
2. Regain confidence in the run game
Alabama has the conference’s No. 1 rushing offense — averaging 270.8 yards — but it has struggled over the last two weeks.
The 202 yards on the ground against Mississippi State might seem nice, but the run game didn’t seem like its dominant self.
On top of that, they Tide have averaged only 176.5 yards during the last two weeks — almost 100 yards below their season average. LSU held them to a season-low 151 two weeks ago, and Auburn’s defense should be at least as tough to run against.
The Tide needs to get some confidence back in the run game by imposing their will against FCS opponent Mercer.
3. Find out if Holcombe is the guy at Mike linebacker
It’s pretty apparent that Keith Holcombe’s first start at inside ’backer didn’t go very well. He missed multiple tackles and, as one of my friends put it, “it looked like he was stuck in quicksand.”
It needs to be emphasized that it was his first career start, so there is no need to give up on him.
Holcombe is a better player than he showed against Mississippi State, but Alabama still needs to make sure he is “the guy” before sending him out with the first-team defense against Auburn.
4. Go ahead and get Moses more comfortable as well
The hope is that Holcombe can get it together, but there’s no denying that true freshman phenom Dylan Moses is the future at the position.
Regardless of how Holcombe performs this week, Jeremy Pruitt needs to make sure that Moses gets plenty of reps at the Mike spot as well.
Moses is 6-3, 232 pounds, with impressive skills that would be useful versus a running back such as Kerryon Johnson, who is on a different playing field compared to a guy like Aeris Williams — who mustered up 97 yards and two touchdowns against the Tide last week.
5. Make sure Tagovailoa gets plenty of reps
The plan to build depth at quarterback has been executed to perfection.
Tua Tagovailoa has seen reps in six of Alabama’s 10 games, and he’s turned that playing time into 480 yards (385 passing, 95 rushing) and 7 touchdowns (5 passing, 2 rushing).
This week’s game against Mercer is the perfect opportunity for Tagovailoa to continue to get game reps so he will be ready in the event that Jalen Hurts were to get injured.
6. Continue toward getting Miller and Lewis healthy
By now, most people know that Alabama is down four linebackers: Christian Miller, Terrell Lewis, Shaun Dion Hamilton and Mack Wilson.
While its confirmed that neither Hamilton nor Wilson will be ready to go anytime soon, Miller and Lewis are now in what is considered the “functional phase of rehab,” according to coach Nick Saban.
It’s also now being reported by Matt Zenitz with AL.com that Miller is expected to be back for the Auburn game.
It’s crunch time, so seeing either of these two back on the field would be a welcomed sight for Alabama fans.
7. Keep Pappanastos’ confidence up
After starting the season 3-for-5 on field goal attempts against Florida State, Andy Pappanastos went 11-for-12 going in to last week’s game against Mississippi State.
Well, Pappanastos ended up missing a 41-yarder that would’ve broken the 24-24 tie with 2:03 remaining in the game.
It happens to every kicker, but Alabama can’t afford for the Ole Miss transfer to get back in a rut. They need to ensure that he has plenty of confidence heading into next week’s showdown with Auburn.
8. Continue getting Jacobs more involved
It was nice to see sophomore running back Josh Jacobs get more involved in crucial situations against Mississippi State.
He finished with 8 touches (6 carries, 2 receptions) for 54 yards (36 rushing, 18 receiving) and a rushing touchdown.
Last month, we wrote about why Jacobs could hold the key to Alabama’s title hopes, and it’s possible that his continued increase in workload could end up fulfilling that prediction.
Clint helps cover the SEC West for Saturday Down South. His work can also be found on USA TODAY Sports, The 'Bama Beat podcast and The Bullpen with TonyMac and The Lamb. Previous stops include SEC Country, 247Sports and Touchdown Alabama Magazine.
