Will Bama Fall
The most dominant dynasty in college football sits atop their throne every year as fans await for them to slip up. This year Alabama faces off in epic battles all around the conference. But Ole Miss appears to be the looming threat of late, with a high-powered offense and stifling defense Nick Saban and his Crimson Tide football team are looking at a war in Tuscaloosa.
Photo Credit: KENT GIDLEY
Rebels Offense
The Ole Miss Rebels heads into Bryant-Denny Stadium as 15-point underdogs. However, after the Crimson Tides encounter with the Gators they seem vulnerable on defense. Meanwhile, Ole Miss has found success through their offense in Heisman candidate, Matt Corral. The Junior out of California has demonstrated great poise in the pocket totaling nine touchdowns through the air and another five on the ground. With an offense that is yet to score under 40 points, Alabama will need Bryce Young to step up.
Much Like Flordia (Alabama’s most competitive game), the run game of Ole Miss is top tier throughout the country ranking fourth. At just under 300 yards per game, they have propelled this offense to one of the most dynamic in the country.
Holding Down Young
Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas
While the offense has limited mistakes, capitalized on opportunities, and made big plays to shift momentum the Rebels haven’t been elite defensively. Nationally they rank:
58 in rush defense
1 interception (104 in the nation)
90 in red zone defense
While high-level recruits are found throughout the 4-2-5 base defense the Rebels are yet to put together a perfect game I which the backfield and front six played well in unison.
How Do The Rebels Run Away With It
Ole Miss must come in with respect for Corrals counter part and fellow heisman candidate Bryce Young. While Young struggled in the swamp he has shown how precise he is with his throws and great decision making ability. To combat this Ole Miss will need to control time of possession and but Bryce Young under constant pressure with heavy blitz’s. Young does get the occasional “happy feet” under presssure which may creat mistakes. Controlling time of possession will force Alabama to stay in the pass game creating a higher probability of mistakes.