Written by Garin Turner
The #1 ranked and defending national champion Alabama Crimson Tide (2-0) face their toughest challenge on the young season as they travel to take on Ole Miss (2-0) in both teams SEC opener. The game starts 7 PM EST on ESPN. Alabama enters the game with the nation’s number one defense while Ole Miss has the number one ranked offense.
This is the 66th meeting between the two teams with Alabama holding a 49-11-2 record. The Crimson Tide won the last meeting 66-3 in 2017. Tua Tagovailoa has stepped up in each of the two games this season. He’s stretching the field for the Crimson Tide when he drops back to pass. Tagovailoa has completed 71.4 percent of his passes this year for 455 yards and six touchdowns.
Najee Harris has 21 rushing attempts for 165 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Damien Harris has 19 attempts for 116 yards for the Crimson Tide. Tagovailoa has been spreading the ball around as eight receivers have caught a pass in the first two games. DeVonta Smith has seven receptions for 176 yards and a touchdown.
For Ole Miss, the best way to combat the Crimson Tide is to keep their offense on the sideline. This could end up being a shootout if Ole Miss can keep up with Alabama’s offense. Ole Miss has averaged 61.5 points a game through the first two games this season, making them third in the nation. Quarterback Jordan Ta’ amu leads the SEC and is ranked second in the nation with 392 passing yards a game. He’s completed 69.2 percent of his passes for 784 yards and seven touchdowns. He’ll be tested for the first time this year by a stout Bama defense.
Scottie Phillips has 31 carries for 311 yards and four touchdowns with his longest score coming from a 65-yards. Two receivers are already in double digits in receptions. A.J. Brown (15 rec. 251 yds 3 tds) and D.K. Metcalf (11 rec 174 yds 2 tds) are making their opponents scratch their heads. Ole Miss has the No. 1 rated receiving corps in the country according to Athlon.
