5 reasons Alabama beats Ole Miss, 2 reasons they won’t

Here are 5 reasons why the Alabama Crimson Tide will beat the Ole Miss Rebels, and two reasons why they won’t.

On Saturday, the Alabama Crimson Tide will face off with the Ole Miss Rebels in Oxford, Mississippi, for the 64th time in Alabama football history.

This is one of the longest rivalries in Alabama football history and is also one of the most entertaining as well.

Alabama wide receiver Drew Kobayashi (85), who was moved from offensive line to tight end, blocks against Ole Miss linebacker Lakia Henry (1) during Alabama’s 59-31 victory over Ole Miss Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019. [Gary Cosby Jr./Tuscaloosa News]
The Rebels, who defeated the Kentucky Wildcats 42-41, are looking to redeem themselves after a rocky start to the season so far. Rebels’ quarterback Matt Corral finished the game strong. going 24-29 for 320 yards and 4 TD.s This game against Alabama will be a statement game to show what they’re capable of this season in the SEC West under former Alabama offensive coordinator, Lane Kiffin.

As for the Crimson Tide, who beat the Texas A&M Aggies, 38-19, the Tide is looking to continue their success on the road.  Mac Jones put on a show and went 20-of-27 for 435 yards, 4 TDs, and 1 INT.

Since 1894, there have been 62 other matchups between both teams.

Alabama has won 51 of the 63 matchups, while Ole Miss has won 10. There have also been two ties between the two teams as well.

Alabama has also won the last 4 straight matchups.

The last time the Rebels beat the Crimson Tide was in 2015 when the Rebels stunned the Tide in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, 43-37.

Under Nick Saban, the Crimson Tide is 11-2 against the Aggies, and Alabama has outscored Ole Miss, 495- 228, under Saban as well.

Simply put, this series never disappoints, and Saturday’s matchup will prove just that.

Here are 5 ways that Alabama will beat the Rebels for the 5th straight time:

1. Mac Jones and Alabama’s offensive weapons

Oct 3, 2020; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama quarterback Mac Jones (10) throws a pass against Texas A&M at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama defeated A&M 52-24. Gary Cosby Jr/The Tuscaloosa News via USA TODAY Sports

Mac Jones has continued to prove himself worthy of the starting quarterback job. So far this season, Jones has completed 38 of 51 passes (74.5% completion rate) for 684 yards, 6 TDs, and 1 interception, and he also has a 94.3 QBR.

As for the offensive weapons, Jaylen Waddle, DeVonta Smith, and John Metchie III have continued to showcase their abilities. They’ve helped make big plays for the Crimson Tide, and have an incredible rhythm and chemistry with Mac Jones.

If Alabama plays as they did last Saturday against the Aggies, the Tide won’t have any trouble on offense putting up big numbers against the Rebels.

Next.. a familiar running back!