Fond Farewell: Alabama records dominant victory on Senior Day
TUSCALOOSA, Ala.- Alabama defensive back Hootie Jones spent most of Saturday living in the moment and making memories. He caught his second career interception early in the second quarter. Then there’s the result of the game itself- a 56-0 victory in favor of Alabama.
Recap: Alabama manhandles Mercer on Senior Day | Saban's Post Presser
But the moment that made the whole day mean so much to Jones wasn’t captured on the stat sheet. “I was very thankful to go out and get her (Jones’ mother, Jessica Carr) something to see (when I caught that interception),” he said.
“This was her first and last home game, and I just want to thank her for being here.” Carr has fought stage 4 Lymphoma throughout most of her son’s collegiate career, but on Saturday, the two were able to share a moment together before the game when Alabama coach Nick Saban honored Jones, the other 24 seniors on the team and all of their families.
“This senior class has been phenomenal,” Nick Saban said. “I think that’s their 51st win, which probably ties some kind of record somewhere? In terms of what they have been able to accomplish while they’ve been here – they’ve won three SEC championships and have been a part of a national championship team.
“...Two or three of the guys, they were walking out for the second half and saying ‘this is the last time I’m going to walk down this tunnel with you.”
The record Saban alluded to was the school and NCAA record for most wins by a program during four years. Jones’ class currently shares the record with last season’s group.
That team finished 51-6, but this group should have at least two or three chances to improve upon their current record of 51-4. Alabama linebacker Rashaan Evans couldn’t help but reflect on a lot of those 51 victories before the game against Mercer kicked off.
“I kind of just recapped on all of the things that happened and all of the great games I was apart of and all of those great teams that came through here as well,” Evans said. “It’s been a long ride and I’ve enjoyed every bit of it.”
With only two minutes left in the fourth quarter, and most of the day’s memories against Mercer (5-6) long since made, Jones’ couldn’t ignore the game looming next on No. 1 Alabama’s schedule.
“You’re always going to have the thought of Auburn in the back of your head the whole game, but I mean you just got to go out there and execute,” Jones said.
Now that Alabama did that, the Crimson Tide (10-0, 7-0 southeastern conference) can finally turn its full attention to an Iron Bowl matchup against No. 6 Auburn (9-2, 6-1 SEC).
Evans said he’s honored participate in a rivalry that means this much. As an Auburn native, he more than most, understands exactly what’s at stake.“It’s just kind of crazy,” Evans said. “It seems like everything’s coming full circle. Basically kind of ending my regular season career at Auburn, the place I came from.”
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