TUSCALOOSA, Ala.– A healthy Christian Miller for next week’s Iron Bowl matchup remains in the cards for Alabama football, but in sending 21 seniors out of Bryant-Denny Stadium in style, one freshman was set out to prove to his head coach that he could embrace the moment.
After Nick Saban stated how critical he would be moving forward, linebacker Dylan Moses received the starting nod at inside linebacker against Mercer.
A five-star from Baton Rouge, La., Moses had his nose in on every play – accounting for a team-high 11 total tackles, four tackles for loss and his first career interception. His takeaway served as one of three forced turnovers for Alabama’s defense as it pitched a 56-0 shutout.
INT! True Freshman LB Dylan Moses #SecNetwork pic.twitter.com/RZf4xBCc9Q
— InsideBamaRecruiting (@RTRnews) November 18, 2017
Even with the opponent being of a lesser tier, seeing Moses possess the focus and consistent activity around the ball is good thing for the Crimson Tide. Behind him, Saban witnessed a unit that played to a standard in holding Mercer to nine first downs, 161 total yards and five third down conversions on 16 attempts.
Despite being forced into duty last week versus Mississippi State, Saban said the product of IMG Academy looked more confident on the field.
“Last week was a little much for him,” Saban said of Moses.
“This week, he was better in practice. He had more understanding and it was an easier preparation from that standpoint. I think the experience he gained out there today will help his development in the future. I thought he did a good job today.”
With his final home game in the books for this year, Moses will take his performance and attempt to assist the Tide to victory over Auburn. Next week’s contest will decide who wins the SEC West and battle Georgia for the conference championship.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag
