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Alabama Football: Tide fans want to see backups against Mercer

Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Tim Smith (50) and linebacker Chris Braswell (41) Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

It is not easy to get pumped when Alabama Football plays an FCS team. On Saturday there will be the joy of a new home season. The return to full Bryant-Denny capacity will please fans. What can provide the most excitement for Crimson Tide fans is seeing numerous backup players get meaningful snaps.

Nick Saban normally does not begin liberal substitutions until the second half of such games. There might be a slightly different approach on Saturday with rotational groups like the defensive line, outside linebacker and wide receiver.