As is typical in Alabama football’s yearly matchup with an FCS opponent, the Crimson Tide got plenty of players who don’t usually play onto the field Saturday. The Tide beat Mercer 52-7 to move to 8-2 on the season, and played five different quarterbacks in the win.

Beyond the signal-callers, the Crimson Tide had 11 players carry the ball, and 13 players caught a pass. Afterward, Kalen DeBoer said his team was excited to get so many players reps.

“Downstairs, some of the upperclassmen (were) talking about how much they appreciate the young guys and how happy we were that some of those guys got a chance to go out there,” DeBoer said. “They’re giving scout team looks all week long, all season long, and for them to get out there and have a little success and enjoy the moment, it was great and the whole team’s happy for them.”

Even the Crimson Tide walk-ons were getting into the game by the end. Overall, the backup players performed well, expanding the Alabama lead throughout their time on the field.

Most notably, Austin Mack, the fourth quarterback in the game for UA, found Rico Scott, who made a tough catch in the end zone for a touchdown.

After the game, Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell said it made him happy to see some of the Tide’s backups get chances to play.

“Speechless for that,” Campbell said. “That’s great. Just me, going against those scout O-linemen, and then seeing them in a game, that’s one of the most precious things in football… You see these guys every day at practice, excuse my language, they bust their ass every day. They don’t care that they’re hurt, they don’t care if they’re injured, but they go out there.”

Campbell’s defensive teammate, cornerback Domani Jackson, agreed.

“Without the scout team, we’re nothing,” Jackson said. “That’s the truth. They grind each and every day just like us, and they don’t really get the chance to showcase their talent. So, coming in for a game like this, we were preaching them to come in. We’re all excited.”

Alabama returns to action next Saturday at Oklahoma. The Crimson Tide will then close its 2024 regular season against Auburn at Bryant-Denny Stadium.