Ranking the 2016 Ole Miss Football Schedule by Threat Level
By Randy Morgan
2. Alabama Crimson Tide | Threat Level: High
Alabama returns to Oxford for the first time since the Rebels upset the Tide in 2014. The Tide are replacing a good bit of their 2015 Championship team, but with the recruiting success Crimson Tide have had, they should be fine.
Alabama returns 6 starters on offense and 5 on defense.
The Tide is breaking in a new quarterback this season, something Nick Saban and crew has gotten used to as of late.
Blake Barnett, Cooper Bateman, and David Cornwell are all battling for the starting job. But does it really matter who wins the job? The Tide won a championship with Jacob Coker and won the SEC with a converted running back named Blake Sims.
At running back, the Tide is replacing Heisman winner Derrick Henry, but have the heir-apparent waiting to breakout. Bo Scarbrough is a hulking running back who looks a lot like the Alabama running backs of the past.
At receiver, the Tide return Calvin Ridley and ArDarius Stewart to the receiving corp. The experience should help whoever wins the quarterback battle.
On the offensive line, Alabama loses Ryan Kelly and Dominik Jackson. But they do return Alphonse Taylor, Ross Pierschbacher, and Cam Robinson. The Tide’s line should be fine.
On the defense, Jonathan Allen anchors the line.
Reuben Foster is the star linebacker to watch out for. The Tide have become known for having an elite linebacker.
Minkah Fitzpatrick, Marlon Humphrey, and Eddie Jackson will all solidify the defensive backfield for the Crimson Tide.
Alabama is poised for another run at an SEC title, something they have gotten used to. Can the Rebels make it three in a row? ESPN has the game as a toss-up right now.
Next: 1. Florida State Seminoles