Saban looks to go 24-0 against former assistants
The Lane Train rolls into Tuscaloosa with something to prove.
By: Dave in Tuscaloosa
It’s the 65th meeting between the Rebels and Tide. Can Kiffin break the spell of former assistants against Nick Saban? (Photo: Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
If this is anything like last year’s game, we are in for quite a treat...unless you are a defensive coordinator.
Offensive fireworks are expected in Bryant Denny Stadium on Saturday as the 12th ranked Ole Miss Rebels square off with the top-ranked Crimson Tide of Alabama in a showdown of SEC West powers. Both teams enter unbeaten and have their sights set on making a serious run towards conference and national supremacy. The Tide have been there for years while the Rebels, led by offensive genius and former Bama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin, will look for their spot at the cool kid’s table in hopes of entering into the college football playoff discussion.
Ole Miss’ offense is potent, fast-paced, and dangerous. Now that we are four weeks in, statistics are relevant and The Rebels are tops in the country, averaging 635 yards and 53 points per game. The unit is led by the early Heisman Trophy favorite junior quarterback Matt Corral, who is completing 69% of his passes and has thrown 9 touchdown strikes to 0 interceptions. The experienced Corral has proven to be dangerous on the ground as well, as he is the team’s third leading rusher, has scored 5 rushing touchdowns in three games, and has the ability to extend plays with his legs when the pocket breaks down. He is surrounded by talent, including a stable of backs led by All-SEC junior Jerrion Ealy (6.1 yards per carry), Henry Parrish (7.0 YPC) and Snoop Conner (5.7 YPC). The receiving corps has performed well so far this season and is led by speedy wideouts Dontario Drummond (20 catches, 4 touchdowns) and Jonathan Mingo (15,3). The offensive line returned four starters from a year ago and against the likes of Louisville, Austin Peay, and Tulane, have held up well.
On the defensive side of the ball, under the tutelage of former Maryland head coach D.J. Durkin, it looks like the Rebels are much improved than a year ago when they ranked 126th (out of 130) in total defense and gave up 723 total yards and 63 points to Mac Jones and the Tide offense. The unit ranks 59th nationally and has surrendered an average of 21 points and 341 yards per game. Leading tacklers include seniors Chance Campbell (19 tackles), Keidron Smith (18), and Sam Williams, who leads the team with 4 sacks. The Rebels know that in order to pull off the upset, they need this unit to get stops and produce a few turnovers. The last time Ole Miss beat Alabama was in 2015 when the Rebels topped the Tide 43-37. In that game, Bama could not overcome 5 turnovers.
Leading the Bama offense, a unit that is averaging 46.5 points per game, is super sophomore quarterback Bryce Young, who is completing 72% of his passes and has thrown for 15 touchdowns and 1 interception. An abundance of riches surrounds Young, including senior back Brian Robinson Jr. (5.6 yards per carry and 2 touchdowns) who missed last week’s game against Southern Miss due to a rib injury, and sophomore Jase McClellan, who is averaging 4.8 yards per carry and has become a threat catching the ball out of the backfield. The receivers are becoming more consistent and are led by junior Ohio State transfer Jameson Williams (3 touchdowns), who is a threat on kickoffs as well, and steady junior John Metchie, who will look to stretch the Ole Miss secondary. Junior tight ends Jahleel Billingsley (2 touchdowns) and Cameron Latu (4 touchdowns) are having fine seasons so far and have added to the Bama offensive arsenal. The line has performed to mixed reviews so far and will need to have a big day on Saturday to keep the Rebels offense off the field.
Defensively, coordinator Pete Golding and his unit gave up a stunning un-Alabama-like 647 yards and 48 points last year against the Rebels, and they will look to make amends against Corral and Kiffin. Currently, the defense is ranked 18th nationally and is giving up 284 yards and 17.5 points per game. Look for leaders Will Anderson and Henry To’o To’o to attempt to slow down offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby and the potent Rebel offense. The young defense has been inconsistent, especially in the secondary, and the likes of Battle, Branch, Jobe, and Hellams will need to find a way to limit big plays and pass interference penalties to keep Ole Miss in check.
None of these breakdowns can happen on Saturday.
Points will certainly not be at a premium on Saturday, and expect, much like last year, a high-scoring affair. The key to the game will be which defense can get a few stops and perhaps a turnover or two. In addition, the Bama offense will need to do its part and possess the ball, which will not only keep Corral and company off the field but will also allow the Tide defense to catch its breath as the Rebel offense plays as fast as you will see in college football this season. Ole Miss is primed, focused, and ready to pull the upset, and I am tempted to pick them to do just that. However, the fact that the Tide offense has been consistent, the defense will be hungry to atone for last year’s performance against the Rebels, and the game is being played in Tuscaloosa will not allow me to go with Ole Miss. In addition, the Rebels currently rank dead last in the country in penalty yards per game (102...that’s not good). Both offenses go crazy again, the Bama D gets a key stop here and there, and the Tide survives the Lane Train for the second year in a row.
Alabama 48
Ole Miss 38