Katie bar the door. Batten the hatches. We’re going to need a bigger boat. Include any other colloquialism or home spun saying that denotes an oncoming difficult situation and you’ll describe Ole Miss’ upcoming football game against Alabama. September 17th has been circled on every calendar in the Tuscaloosa. It is all going down in Vault Hemingway stadium at 2:30 p.m.
The Crimson Tide are coming in with revenge on their mind after losing to the Rebel two years in a row. Both wins sent notice to the entire college football world that the Rebels are for real. Of course no one is happy about our arrival to the national stage. However, last year’s loss to Ole Miss was the only blemish on the almost perfect season for Alabama. They eventually won the National Championship, but that loss remains a thorn in their side.
This year the number one team in the nation comes in with another talented team. Gone are the likes of Heisman Trophy winning running back Derrick Henry and quarterback Jake Coker. They are replaced by dangerous sophomore Damien Harris and freshman duel threat quarterback Jalen Hurts. The old cliché is apropos, “Alabama doesn’t rebuild, they replace”.
They have certainly stacked up on multiple offensive weapons. The wide receiver combination of ArDarius Stewart and Calvin Ridley gives the Hurts reliable targets down field. Their talented offensive line gives both Harris and Hurts lanes to rack up rushing yards.
But the matchup to watch is on the other side of the ball. The Ole Miss offense against the Alabama defense. Their is no way to sugar coat this: Alabama’s defense is scary. Their defensive line lead by Jonathan Allen will pressure Ole Miss quarterback Chad Kelly all day. The linebackers are quick and agile. Their defensive backs are experienced and more than capable of holding their own. The Rebels won’t face another defense like this the rest of the year.
That being said, the Crimson Tide won’t face an offensive barrage they are should see Saturday afternoon. Kelly has already proven he can beat them. Although D.K. Metcalf was lost to injury, the wide receiver position has great depth. If the running game can keep the defense honest, the Rebels should be close in this one. This game has been a tough one for me. I want to go with my heart, but my head is telling me something else.
Sorry, I just don’t know if we can beat Alabama three years in a row. I got to go with my head. I hope I’m wrong. Alabama 35 Ole Miss 31 
