Alabama Crimson Tide at Ole Miss Rebels: Analyze the Game with BamaHammer.com
By Dave Bevan
We recently sat down with BamaHammer.com to analyze the upcoming game against Alabama. This article was intended to be more elaborate, but my computer chooses when it wants to act funny. FML. But, we hope we get our point across and that you enjoy it.
Total offense
Bama Hammer
Who wins Alabama or Ole Miss?
Alabama
Bama Hammer Comments – Lane Kiffin’s offense is running on all cylinders and just in time. Alabama hits the heart of their SEC schedule against the Rebels. The Tide offense has been surprisingly pass-first with Blake Sims and his favorite target, superstar Amari Cooper. But do not count out Alabama’s bruising running game, which gives Alabama the kind of 1-2 punch it hasn’t had in some time.
Ole Hotty Toddy
Who wins Alabama or Ole Miss?
Alabama
Ole Hotty Toddy Comments – Let’s face it. This entire Ole Miss football season has been all about the Rebels’ success on defense. We are into the fifth game of the season, and it seems like we are still waiting on that game where the offense stands out the most. Even though Bo Wallace has had some 300+ passing yard games, the only game that really shows consistency is against Vanderbilt.
Passing
Bama Hammer
Who wins Alabama or Ole Miss?
Ole Miss
Bama Hammer Comments – Despite Alabama’s explosive total offense, I think Ole Miss has a chance to rack up passing yards against a still-questionable Tide secondary. Freshman Tony Brown has made an impact already in Alabama’s defensive backfield, but they are still susceptible to the deep pass, and if he has a good game, Bo Wallace could make Alabama pay.
Ole Hotty Toddy
Who wins Alabama or Ole Miss?
Ole Miss
Ole Hotty Toddy Comments – It is really the only defense that the Rebels have on offense in this matchup. If Bo Wallace can eliminate mistakes, it should be a challenge for Alabama’s secondary in matching up with Ole Miss’ receivers.
Rushing
Bama Hammer
Who wins Alabama or Ole Miss?
Alabama
Bama Hammer Comments – There’s no question that Alabama has had an incredible run of talented backs under Nick Saban, and this squad could be one of his best yet. T.J. Yeldon’s elusiveness, Derrick Henry’s massive size, and Kenyan Drake’s lightning quickness are enough to wear down any defense.
Ole Hotty Toddy
Who wins Alabama or Ole Miss?
Alabama
Ole Hotty Toddy Comments – “A miracle,” would be putting it lightly in Ole Miss’ chances in beating Alabama in the run game. It is an area of offense we haven’t showed consistency since playing LSU last year. It’s hard to expect a change.
Offensive Line
Bama Hammer
Who wins Alabama or Ole Miss?
Alabama
Bama Hammer Comments – …but not by much. Alabama is rebuilding their offensive line after losing lots of talent to the NFL. Penalties were a problem against Florida, and hopefully this will be corrected in Oxford. Ole Miss has its own issues with depth, but if forced to choose, Alabama seems to be gelling faster.
Ole Hotty Toddy
Who wins Alabama or Ole Miss?
Ole Miss
Ole Hotty Toddy Comments – This is an area where both teams are similar. Penalties have plagued both teams this season, and protecting the quarterback has been comparable. But, I’m going out on a limb and saying Ole Miss has the slight upper hand in this battle.
Total Defense
Bama Hammer
Who wins Alabama or Ole Miss?
Ole Miss
Bama Hammer Comments – It’s as shocking for us to say as for you to read it. This is not your typical Alabama defense, particularly in Saban’s pet position, defensive back. It’s a talented, deep defense, but there’s little experienced depth. West Virginia showed they are susceptible to the deep pass, and Wallace can rack up some yards if they don’t play at the top of their game.
Ole Hotty Toddy
Who wins Alabama or Ole Miss?
Ole Miss
Ole Hotty Toddy Comments – Compared to just a few seasons ago, I would say it is just as shocking to say as it is to read that Ole Miss’ defense is that good. This a team that had held Memphis under 150 yards in total offense and held Vandy to crossing the 50-yard line only once. But, there really challenge is ahead of them.
Pass Defense
Bama Hammer
Who wins Alabama or Ole Miss?
Ole Miss
Bama Hammer Comments – For exactly the reason stated above. Bama defensive backs will get beaten more than Tide fans want, so it’s best we all just hold our breath and ride it out.
Ole Hotty Toddy
Who wins Alabama or Ole Miss?
Ole Miss
Ole Hotty Toddy Comments – This is the best secondary Ole Miss has had in years. That is not to say Alabama’s secondary isn’t talented, but they’re less experienced. Amari Cooper is the biggest concern here for Ole Miss, and will determine how successful their secondary will be.
Rush Defense
Bama Hammer
Who wins Alabama or Ole Miss?
Alabama
Bama Hammer Comments – Alabama’s rush defense is ranked 4th in the nation, holding (admittedly weak) opponents to a combined 93 rushing attempts this season. Ole Miss, meanwhile, is ranked 11th in the SEC in rushing yards. You do the math.
Ole Hotty Toddy
Who wins Alabama or Ole Miss?
Alabama
Ole Hotty Toddy Comments – I am in an agreement with Bama Hammer here.
Special teams
Bama Hammer
Who win Bama or Ole Miss?
Alabama
Bama Hammer Comments – Alabama finally has a kicking game. That’s a huge win for Tide fans, as it means kickoffs get somewhere near the end zone, and field goals aren’t a reason to get back on defense.
Ole Hotty Toddy
Who wins Alabama or Ole Miss?
Alabama
Ole Hotty Toddy Comments – You can’t expect to beat Bama in this area if you post punt return fumbles and missed field goals against teams like Memphis. Plus, doesn’t Alabama still have Christian Jones? Ole Miss fans remember him all too well.