Ole Miss Rebels Week 4 Opponent Preview: Alabama Crimson Tide
Like several games for the Alabama Crimson Tide last season, they looked beatable against the Ole Miss Rebels.
In last season's matchup, Ole Miss kept pace with Alabama through three quarters, as the Crimson Tide relied on 23- and 49-yard field goals from Will Reichard to beat the Rebels 30-24 — the closest meeting between the two since a 48-43 Tide victory in Oxford in 2016.
Quarterback Jaxson Dart completed his fifth-lowest percentage of passes in that game, throwing for 212 yards and a touchdown but was still 20 yards away from going for the win on the final drive.
Carleigh Harbin-The Grove Report
No. 15 Ole Miss' (3-0) quarterback situation is leaps and bounds ahead of where the No. 13 Crimson Tide (2-1) are at.
After getting upset at home against the Texas Longhorns, head coach Nick Saban benched quarterback Jalen Milroe against the South Florida Bulls. Tyler Buchner started and went 5-for-14 for 34 yards but was pulled for Ty Simpson, who completed five of his nine passes for 73 yards.
However, those were just tryouts against an inferior opponent in South Florida, as Milroe was announced as the starter against Ole Miss Monday.
Ole Miss beat Alabama in back-to-back games in 2014-15 for the first time in program history but has lost seven-consecutive games against the Crimson Tide since then.
It will look to snap its skid when it opens up SEC conference play against Alabama Sept. 23 at Bryant Denny Stadium. The kickoff time and TV schedule of the matchup has yet to be announced.
Alabama Crimson Tide
2023 Record: 2-1, 0-0 Southeastern Conference
Head coach: Nick Saban
Returning Offensive Leaders:
Passing: QB Jalen Milroe
2023 stats: 27-for-45, 449 yards, five touchdowns, two interceptions
Rushing: RB Roydell Williams
2023 stats: 30 carries, 177 yards, one touchdown
Receiving: WR Isaiah Bond
2023 stats: 10 receptions, 152 yards, 15.2 yards per catch, one touchdown
Returning Defensive Leaders:
Tackles: LB Deontae Lawson, 25
Interceptions: DB Jaylan Key, DB Malachi Moore, 1
Sacks: LB Dallas Turner, 2.5
